Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year

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.

Representing the best of the NFL's commitment to philanthropy and community impact, 32 players are selected as their team's Man of the Year and become eligible to win the national award.

The winner of the award each year receives a $250,000 donated to the winner's charity of choice. All other 31 nominees receive up to $50,000 donated to their charity of choice. All donations are courtesy of the NFL Foundation and Nationwide.

Each year, fans are encouraged to participate in Nationwide's Charity Challenge, a social media contest which gives fans the opportunity to show support for their favorite WPMOY nominee and offers players a chance to secure additional donations from Nationwide for their charities of choice. Fans are encouraged to post #WPMOYChallenge and their favorite nominee's last name on social media. The nominee who receives the most hashtag mentions will win an additional $25,000 donation to his charity of choice from Nationwide, the runner-up will receive $10,000 and the third-place winner will receive $5,000.

Congratulations to Cam Newton on winning the 2019 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Charity Challenge presented by Nationwide!