The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide is a representation of players who impacted their communities off the field. This has been an honor watching these outstanding men who represent the NFL’s best on and off the field,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
“Our players have a unique platform to make a difference far beyond the field of play. We salute these individuals who are exemplary in their commitment to making a positive impact in communities across the globe through their dedicated service and philanthropic efforts.”
Out of the 32 nominees, the finalists will be selected in January. The person who was picked to be Walter Paton NFL Man of the Year will be announced during the NFL Honors. “Nationwide is proud to shine a national spotlight on the difference that these 32 individuals are making in the lives of others. “We congratulate this year’s nominees and thank them for their leadership”, said Nationwide’s Chief Marketing Officer Terrance Williams.
In addition to a charity of the players’ choice, each nominee will receive a donation in their name to implement the NFL and United Way’s Character Playbook Program in their club market. A total of $million will be donated in the name of the 2016 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year with $500,000 going to charity of their choice and $500,000 supporting the expansion of Character Playbook across the NFL markets. The 29 team winners will receive a $50,000 donation to their charity of choice.
To promote the nominees, Nationwide is hosting their second annual Charity Challenge.
2016 Waltyer Payton NFL Man of the Year Team Nominees
Arizona Cardinals: Larry Fitzgerald
Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan
Baltimore Ravens: Steve Smith Sr.
Buffalo Bills: Eric Wood
Carolina Panthers: Greg Olsen
Chicago Bears: Sam Acho
Cincinnati Bengals: Andy Dalton
Cleveland Browns: Joe Thomas
Dallas Cowboys: Sean Lee
Denver Broncos: Virgil Green
Detroit Lions: Don Carey
Green Bay Packers: Jayrone Elliott
Houston Texans: Brian Cushing
Indianapolis Colts: Joe Reitz
Jacksonville Jaguars: Julius Thomas
Kansas City Chiefs: Alex Smith
Los Angeles Rams: Johnny Hekker
Miami Dolphins: Mike Pouncey
Minnesota Vikings: Chad Greenway
New England Patriots: Rob Gronkowski
New Orleans Saints: Roman Harper
New York Giants: Eli Manning
New York Jets: Brandon Marshall
Oakland Raiders: Dan Williams
Philadelphia Eagles: Jon Dorenbos
Pittsburgh Steelers: Arthur Moats
San Diego Chargers: Jeremiah Attaochu
San Francisco 49ers: Torrey Smith
Seattle Seahawks: Cliff Avril
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Vincent Jackson
Tennessee Titans: Jurrell Casey
Washington Redskins: Pierre Garçon
