Annually, the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is awarded to an NFL player with unique generosity. This is bestowed for excellent volunteer work and on-field perfection during the year under review.
In 1970, Baltimore Revens player Johnny Unitas first received the honor of Walter Payton. Since then, many players have received these awards. But who won the Walter Payton Award 2021?
In 2021, this valuable honor was given to a superb individual. On and off the field, his achievements highlight the dedication of Walter Payton. Let’s look into this person’s contributions to the field.
How Did The Walter Payton Award Start?
NFL athletes are honored each year for his performance on and off the field. The prize was initially given out in the year 1970. In 1999, the Chicago Bears football player, Walter Payton, gave it a new name.
Each team selects a single player who has greatly impacted his community. Thirty-two players are chosen as the Man of the Year by the team. These are then qualified for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award winner.
Every year, the prize holder donates $250,000 to the charity of his choice. For selected organizations, a donation of up to $55,000 to each of the 32 nominees’ is given. Every donation is given out of the kindness of the NFL Foundation.
Who Won the Walter Payton Award 2021?
An iconic man, Andrew Whitworth received the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2021. He was a player for the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams teams.
Who Was the 2021 Walter Payton Award Winner Andrew Whitworth?
Andrew James Whitworth was born on December 12, 1981. He is an American football player. Whitworth spent 16 seasons as an NFL defensive player. He played five seasons with the Los Angeles Rams team and 11 with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Whitworth was famous for his well-established career in the field. When he retired, he was among the oldest defensive linemen in NFL history. Additionally, he played for the Rams in his last NFL game, Super Bowl LVI. So, his move was rewarding.
Contributions of Andrew Whitworth
Whitworth’s great charitable activities helped win the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award 2021. His award and first-ever Super Bowl victory are ideal for this gentleman to complete a legendary NFL career.
As an athlete, he donated to charity to spread love and hope.
Big Whit Homes For L.A Families
At the start of the Rams season, Whitworth announced the program for Big Whit Homes for L.A. Family. He donated $20,000 after each home game. He also transferred Angelenos, who were on the street, into reasonable homes.
Whitworth gave money to restore houses in his local Louisiana. As a part of his social work, he collaborated with non-profit firms.
In Los Angeles, he supported individuals a lot. Whitworth helped them with rentals, down payment support, grocery shopping, and home decor.
Renovations After Ida’s August Hurricane
In Louisiana, a Hurricane arrived in Ida’s August. Withworth worked with Reconstructing Together. He helped by doing necessary renovations for those whose homes were damaged.
He prepared apartments for families who migrated from shelters to secure a home. Moreover, he used the resources of his charity for this purpose. He gave low-income families the opportunity for affordable houses.
Being A Mentor For The Community
Both on and off the field, Andrew Whitworth served as a mentor for the young players. He supported and guided them in every possible means.
Whitworth explained contributing is as easy as effective. He said: “You can donate money. Give up your time. You can use your position and voice to stand up for change”. “It’s just called an investment.”
For every charity or mission, he said to focus on these three principles. We just have to keep making investments in each other for motivation. Whether you choose your time, voice, or money is up to you.
Winding Up The Discussion
So, Andrew Whitworth is the one who won the Walter Payton Award 2021. During the 2021- 22 NFL season, he won the prize for his great community service. This award recipient highlights the legacy Payton left in this world. Both on and off the field, Withworth’s journey teaches us the message of generosity and selfless work.
Payton won several honors over the years. But his favorite award was Man of the Year. Due to this, it became the most respected honor in the history of the NFL. All these also show the NFL’s dedication to helping others and social impact.