Every year, the NFL honors the philanthropic work of their athletes by nominating one player from each team for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. The award, which is considered the league’s most prestigious honor, highlights 32 players who have performed outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on the field.
All 32 nominees for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award will receive up to a $40,000 donation in their name to their charity of choice, with the winner receiving up to a $250,000 donation. All donations are courtesy of the NFL Foundation and Nationwide.
Nominees for the 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award
The Walter Payton Man of the Year award has been given out since 1970 and was renamed for the late Chicago Bears star in 1999. All 2022 nominees will wear a Man of the Year helmet decal beginning in Week 14 and continuing through the end of the season in recognition of their accomplishments on and off the field. Here is the full list of nominees.
- TE Zach Ertz | Arizona Cardinals
- G Chris Lindstrom | Atlanta Falcons
- S Chuck Clark | Baltimore Ravens
- T Dion Dawkins | Buffalo Bills
- DT Derrick Brown | Carolina Panthers
- CB Jaylon Johnson | Chicago Bears
- DE Sam Hubbard | Cincinnati Bengals
- G Joel Bitonio | Cleveland Browns
- QB Dak Prescott | Dallas Cowboys
- G Dalton Risner | Denver Broncos
- QB Jared Goff | Detroit Lions
- RB Aaron Jones | Green Bay Packers
- LB Christian Kirksey | Houston Texans
- LB Shaquille Leonard | Indianapolis Colts
- G Tyler Shatley | Jacksonville Jaguars
- QB Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City Chiefs
- P AJ Cole | Las Vegas Raiders
- S Derwin James | Los Angeles Chargers
- G Tremayne Anchrum Jr. | Los Angeles Rams
- LB Jaelan Phillips | Miami Dolphins
- WR Adam Thielen | Minnesota Vikings
- DL Lawrence Guy | New England Patriots
- LB Demario Davis | New Orleans Saints
- RB Saquon Barkley | New York Giants
- DL Solomon Thomas | New York Jets
- DE Brandon Graham | Philadelphia Eagles
- DT Cameron Heyward | Pittsburgh Steelers
- DT Arik Armstead | San Francisco 49ers
- WR Tyler Lockett | Seattle Seahawks
- DE William Gholston | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- RB Derrick Henry | Tennessee Titans
- T Charles Leno Jr. | Washington Commanders
Who Won the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award Last Year?
Last year, Rams offensive tackle and 16-year veteran Andrew Whitworth won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. It was the third consecutive year that Whitworth had been the Rams representative, but the first time he won the honor.
After presenting the award, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell spoke about how important Whitworth’s charitable work was and what it meant to the league.
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“During his five seasons in Los Angeles, he has dedicated his time and resources to social justice efforts that are working to tackle food insecurity, homelessness, and education inequities, including a $160,000 donation just this year as part of his (program),” Goodell said in a press release.
“These are just a few examples of an extensive philanthropic legacy that Andrew has created. He is incredibly deserving of this prestigious award, and we’re proud to name him this year’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.”
When Is the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award Announced?
The winner of the Walter Payton Man of the Year award will be announced at the NFL Honors ceremony taking place the Thursday before Super Bowl LVII.