Key Highlights
- The NFL announced the 2025 club winners for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide.
- Thirty-two club winners will compete to be named the national winner, recognized for their excellence on and off the field.
- Winners’ achievements include supporting underserved communities and empowering young people through various initiatives.
- The award has a rich history since its establishment in 1970, honoring players like Arik Armstead and Russell Wilson.
NFL Unveils 2025 Club Winners for Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award
The National Football League (NFL) has announced the 32 club winners who will now compete to be named this year’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, a prestigious honor presented by Nationwide. This award is one of the league’s most revered recognitions, celebrating players who excel on the field and demonstrate a deep commitment to making positive impacts in their communities beyond football.
According to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, “The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is our league’s most cherished honor. It recognizes players for their outstanding contributions both on and off the field. These 32 men represent the best of the NFL and continue to uphold Walter Payton’s legacy of excellence and community involvement.”
Club Winners and Their Initiatives
The list of club winners spans across various teams, each supporting a range of causes and initiatives that uplift communities and empower young people. Some notable mentions include:
- Azeez Al-Shaair (Miami Dolphins): Supports education programs for underprivileged children.
- Cameron Dicker (Los Angeles Rams): Works with local organizations to promote healthy lifestyles among youth.
- Derrick Henry (Baltimore Ravens): Fosters mentorship programs and community development projects in Baltimore.
- Garett Bolles (Denver Broncos): Engages in various charitable efforts, including food drives and environmental initiatives.
Award Details and Timeline
The national winner will be announced during NFL Honors, a prime-time awards special airing on Thursday, February 5, leading up to Super Bowl LX. This year’s club winners will wear a special Man of the Year helmet decal throughout Week 14 and beyond, acknowledging their achievements both on and off the field.
Each club winner has also received a unique “Gladiator” product inspired by the award, which fans can share about to win a t-shirt. Additionally, the NFL Foundation will donate up to $40,000 to the charitable beneficiary of each team’s club winner and up to $250,000 to the nonprofit chosen by the overall national winner.
Nationwide encourages fan participation in its annual Charity Challenge, a social media contest allowing fans to show support for their favorite Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year club winners. Voting takes place from December 4 through January 5, 2026, with the player receiving the most votes also winning an additional $35,000 donation from Nationwide.
A Rich History
The award was first established in 1970 and renamed after Hall of Fame Chicago Bears legend Walter Payton in 1999. Since then, it has honored 58 legends and players, including current stars like Arik Armstead, Cameron Heyward, Dak Prescott, Russell Wilson, and Calais Campbell.
The NFL continues to uphold the spirit of this award, recognizing that these players are not just on-field heroes but also role models in their communities. As Commissioner Goodell noted, “These men represent the best of the NFL, and they continue to keep Walter’s legacy alive through their incredible contributions every day.”
