During Super Bowl Week, the NFL recognizes players for the hard work they do weekly in their community. The award was named after famed Bears running back Walter Payton, and is called the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
The three finalist this year exemplify leadership off the field and more importantly, on the field as well.
Anquan Boldin of the San Francisco 49ers, Thomas Davis of the Carolina Panthers and Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers round out the top three finalist. The finalists were selected out of all 32 NFL team’s nominees. All nominees received a $5,000 donation from the NFL Foundation and Nationwide to be given to the charity of their choice. The winner will be chosen by a committee comprised of current NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, Connie Payton, Pro Football Hall of Fame members Frank Gifford and Anthony Muñoz, 2013 winner Charles Tillman and Sports Illustrated football writer Peter King.
The winner will receive a $50,000 donation to be given to a charity of his choice, while the other two finalist will receive $10,000 for their charity. The winner will be announced during the NFL Honors on January 31, the night before the Super Bowl.
To learn more about the finalists and all 32 team nominees, visit www.nfl.com/manoftheyear.
Anquan Boldin, 49ers WR
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers QB
Thomas Davis, Carolina Panthers DE
