The NFL has announced the 32 nominees for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, and the Miami Dolphins’ selection is a difference maker on and off the gridiron: starting defensive tackle Davon Godchaux.

Here’s the background on the award, as stated on the award’s overview page:

“The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award recognizes an NFL player for his excellence on and off the field. The award was established in 1970. It was renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame Chicago Bears running back, Walter Payton. Each team nominates one player who has had a significant positive impact on his community.”

Godchaux has been a fixture in Miami’s extensive community outreach initiatives during the 2019 calendar year and has certainly earned the right to serve as Miami’s nominee this season.

Past winners of the award include Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald, Texans DL J.J. Watt and Cowboys TE Jason Witten — as well as three Hall of Fame Miami Dolphins: Dan Marino, Jason Taylor and Dwight Stephenson.