Walter Payton’s Man of the Year award is given to a player of the National Football League. The award was first presented in 1970 in honor of the players for their on-field and off-field activities and positive impact. Initially, it was simply named the NFL Man of the Year award. But in 1999, after Hall’s death, the Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton died, and the award was renamed in his honor and humanity.
In 1969, artist Daniel Bennett Schwartz designed the trophy. The award does not symbolize any player; it selects players based on their contribution and positive impact on the community.
For the award, 32 players are nominated from different leagues. A panel of Judges, the last award winner, and the commissioner of the NFL select the winner from the nominated players who won Walter Payton Man of the Year.
The winners received $250,000 for the charity of their choice, and the other 31 nominees received a $50,000 donation. The National Football League sponsors all these funds and donations.
23-24 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award Winner:
Cameron Heyward won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2024. Heyward received the award from Prince Herry Duke of Sussex on Thursday, February 28th, during an episode of CBS in Las Vegas.
Heyward hugged his wife before stepping onto the stage to receive the most honorable award.
In his victory speech, he thanked God first, and further, he would be at this place without his help.
Heyward was so excited about receiving the Award from Prince Harry. In his acceptance speech, he said the Pittsburgh community means a lot to him because from here, my dad started. He further said, it was the dream of his father that he is living it now
He said, I want to thank Pittsburgh Steller for nominating me and my coach, Mike Tomline. It’s an honor for me to be coached by you. Also, I want to thank my teammates. Thank you for being my teammates. You always pushed and supported me, whether on or off the field.
Pittsburgh Steelers meant a lot to many people because they supported the community, youth, and children in achieving their goals in life—a special thanks to the Pittsburgh Steeler organization, Dan Rooney, and Mr. Rooney II.
Heyward said I am gonna be emotional when I talk about my family. My family is very close to my heart and supports me in every moment of my life. After my dad’s death, my mother Charlotte was the only person who stepped out for us, stepped for my foundation. I play football and get the chance to give back what I can. But I can not do everything.
My wife Allie the love of my life. You always support me, are there for me the rock of my life. I am very thankful for that.
My dad, Mr Ironhead Heyward, wore No 34 always felt him there for me with me to support me. But I think there is another person who also supports me and wears No 34 that is Mr Walter Payton. This is my 6th time being nominated for the Walter Payton Award and had a great experience with the Walter Payton family. This man did a great job and changed the lives of many people. He always said, “Right we are blessed to be a blessing”. I am also part of the Walter Payton companionship and will nail it.
Last but not least I am thankful to my community members Omar, Angela, Brut, and Blayer who always gave me a chance to give back to my community. You all helped me to go out there and support my community.
Who is Cameron Heyward?
Cameron Phillip Heyward was born on May 6, 1989. He is married to Allie and has three sons. In 2011, he was selected in the first round of the NFL. His father, Mr Craig Heyward, was also an NFL Pro Bowler and died from cancer.
Cameron is actively involved in charity work, continuing his father’s legacy. He runs various foundations, campaigns, and charity work for youth, children, and families suffering from devastating loss.
After winning the award, the team and league applauded Heyward for his charity endeavors, specifically Cam’s Kindness Week. This week he went to different fractions of the community daily. Within Cam’s Kindness Week Heyword also partner with Caring Place. In this campaign, they offer programs that support children and families who are suffering from the grief of the loss of a loved one. This program hits the heart of Cameron Haywaer a young boy who lost his father at the age of 16.
By telling his story, Heyward wants to understand that people have to move on and do whatever they can to continue the legacy of their loved ones.
During his campaign in Caring Place, a young boy asked him a very emotional and tough question who is also suffering from the pain of losing a loved one. If you could talk to your dad once last time what would you say to him?
But Cameron takes pause and answers with emotion I would say to him I love Him, and I would be thankful for giving me that moment. I miss him in every moment of my life. I said him that we all miss you and there is no day in our life when we do not miss you. We will continue to make you feel proud.
How Cmeron Heyward’s Father Died?
Craig Heyward played a Pro Bowl at the University of Pittsburg and in the National Football League. He gave up the football in 199 when he was diagnosed with a tumor. Due to cancer, he lost the sight of his right eye. Craig thought it was the end of his life but it was not. He has also suffered a stroke and became paralyzed from his right side.
He worked for the Cameron senior nights. But before it happened a summer before their senior year in High School he passed away. Cameron told me I remembered the day I was waiting for my mom. But I do not know what happened suddenly everyone was behaving politely with me. Then, when I found my mon with a lot of courage, she told me. I understood it was very hard for her to share. But from that moment she always showed me a strength I had never seen before.
Cameron Hayward Foundation Endeavors:
Due to his passion for giving back and serving the community in 2014, he opened Hayward House which offers several programs including;
- In 2018, Heyward launched Craig Closet in honor of his father in which they offer free closets to young students for internships and interviews.
- Heyward also helps in Cafe Pittsburgh Momentum, where the community can enjoy fine dining and 15-19 teens can do culinary internships. Heyward also takes cooking classes with students. He said he wants to continue his dad’s legacy and do more for the community independently.
- He also donates $50,000 to the Steelers Social Justice organization fun. Heyward meets with children to address them, and they must break the silence on incarnations and the wildness against them.
- This year, he visited UPMC Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital, where he read books for patients in the dreamy big studio.
- Cameron also won Ambassador Daniel M. Rooney’s Champion of Mentoring award. He said he wants to provide a connecting platform to young people through his official website. I am lucky to have an organization, but we all don’t have the same background. He said I want to be an advocate to assure people they have opportunities to connect with others.
Previous Winners of the Walter Payton Man of The Year Award:
Following is the list of players who had previously won Walter Payton Man of the year.
| Year | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Anquan Boldin | San Francisco 49ers |
| 2016 | Larry Fitzgerald & Eli Manning | Arizona Cardinals / New York Giants |
| 2017 | J.J. Watt | Houston Texans |
| 2018 | Chris Long | Philadelphia Eagles |
| 2019 | Calais Campbell | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| 2020 | Russell Wilson | Seattle Seahawks |
| 2021 | Andrew Whitworth | Los Angeles Rams |
| 2022 | Dak Prescott | Dallas Cowboys |
| 2023 | Cameron Hayword | Pittsburgh Steelers |
Final Verdict:
Cameron Hayword plays an extraordinary role in both his work and his community. We always need to appreciate what our community has given us. Losing a loved one, especially a parent, is devastating, but we have to continue our journey by carrying their special memories with us. Due to their loss, we can understand the pain. We need to help the community or youth who are going through this to endure the pain.
Like Cameron Hayword, we need to spread positivity. Many people ask negative things about you, but we have to continue. As a youth, if you face troubles or hurdles in your journey, you must continue your struggle. One day, with your hard work, you will achieve your goal, and the World will recognize you as a celebrity like Cameron Hayword.