From Aaron Jones to Mike Evans, NFL Twitter Reacts to Walter Payton Award Nominees

Being a gentleman off the field is equally important as being on the field. For a game that rides on big money, it is nothing but normal to give it back. This is exactly where the Walter Payton Award comes in.

What is the “NFL Man of the Year” Walter Payton Award?

The essence of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is very noble. It is given out every year to a player who goes above and above in his generosity off the field. The honor’s namesake is not only a Hall of Famer, but also one of the most philanthropic hearts of all time, with Payton receiving the award (renamed after his death in 1999) in 1977 for his community service.

The NFL unveiled the 32 nominees for the 2021 Walter Payton Man of the Year award, the league’s top honour, on Tuesday. The award was established in 1970 and was renamed after Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton in 1999. NFL commissioner later in the day officially announced it.

A detail view of the Walter Payton Man of the Year award is seen backstage during the NFL Honors awards show, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Atlanta. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)

“The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is the League’s most prestigious honor and these 32 men represent their many teammates who do incredible things in their communities,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “Their unwavering commitment to their hometowns and team communities embodies Walter’s spirit of giving back in a way that makes us all incredibly proud of the work they are doing every day.”

Who has been nominated for this year’s award? What does the winner of the award receive?

All NFL Teams is allowed to nominate a player from their team for this award. The nominees this year include Aaron Jones, Mike Davis, Dak Prescott, Justin Simmons, among others. The winner of this prestigious award last year was Russell Wilson. The winner of the award meanwhile receives a very hefty sum for donation.

Each of the 32 nominees will receive a $40,000 gift to their favourite charity. Meanwhile, the Payton NFL Man of the Year award winner will receive a $250,000 donation to their favourite charity. The NFL Foundation and Nationwide are responsible for all donations.

The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by @Nationwide honors players who have exhibited excellence on-the-field, and whose passion to impact lives extends beyond the game. #ItTakesAllOfUs to make a difference. See the nominees here: https://t.co/R9P2JLXGBm #WPMOY pic.twitter.com/aMOBKbY0Tg

— NFL (@NFL) December 7, 2021

Our Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee is Mike Davis

Congratulations @MikeDavisRB!

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 7, 2021

#WPMOYChallenge Jon Allen https://t.co/avovYW2zzr

— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) December 7, 2021

We’re so proud to announce @BSBoze as our @Nationwide Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee #WPMOYChallenge | #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/HwG9THMqDh

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 7, 2021

Congratulations to Myles Jack, named our 2021 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award nominee!#WPMOYChallenge | @Nationwide

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) December 7, 2021

Congratulations to Jason Kelce, our @Nationwide Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee!#WPMOYChallengeKelce | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/jfmvqWTPmV

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 7, 2021

Making an impact on & off the field.

RETWEET to congratulate @Showtyme_33 on being our #WPMOY nominee & help him earn a $25,000 donation to the charity of his choice.#WPMOYChallenge + Jones#WPMOYChallenge + Jones#WPMOYChallenge + Jones#WPMOYChallenge + Jones pic.twitter.com/WxwS3drhOE

— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 7, 2021

We’re proud to name @denzelward our Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee!

Congrats, Denzel! #WPMOY

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 7, 2021

Wishing all the nominees best of luck!

Also Read: Tom Brady Announces the Launch of Second Batch of NFTs Highlighting the Beginning of His Career

The post From Aaron Jones to Mike Evans, NFL Twitter Reacts to Walter Payton Award Nominees appeared first on EssentiallySports.