ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 29: Kyle Van Noy #53 of the New England Patriots speaks to the media during the New England Patriots Super Bowl LIII media availability at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta on January 29, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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The New England Patriots have nominated veteran linebacker Kyle Van Noy for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award this season.

Since joining the New England Patriots in 2016, Kyle Van Noy has emerged as one of the best linebackers for his team – and is arguably even one of the best linebackers in the NFL at large. Van Noy has also gone from a very limited supporting role to being one of the key players on New England’s defense.

In what looks to be a Pro Bowl year for Van Noy, he’s accumulated 45 tackles, 6.5 sacks (team high), three forced fumbles, and one touchdown in 12 games this season. He also leads the New England Patriots defense in quarterback hits this season with 13.

On top of having a standout season on the field, KVN has also been a standout member of the community. In doing so, Van Noy will be the New England Patriots’ nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

“I want to continue to spread that nobody is alone. Everybody's loved." Through his invaluable work with adopted and foster kids, @KVN_03 embodies this exact message: https://t.co/mURX9stpOr#WPMOY | #WPMOYChallenge — New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 12, 2019

One of the foundations created by Van Noy and his wife is called the “Van Noy Valor Foundation.” It was created to help the efforts in regards to adopted, fostered, and disadvantaged children.

The main goal of the Van Noy Valor foundation is to give opportunities and resources to disadvantaged kids. It shows disadvantaged children and families that they can have the same opportunities as everyone else.

Another charity effort of KVN this season has been “A Very Van Noy Christmas.” A Very Van Noy Christmas consisted of Kyle and his wife essentially giving Christmas celebrations to the less fortunate adopted and foster families.

The Van Noys hosted 153 foster families at Gillette Stadium and collected winter coats and toys, along with a Christmas tree with decorations and lighting provided.

"Nobody is alone."@KVN_03 & @marissa_vannoy host annual Christmas celebration for local foster families: https://t.co/aefjgAo5R6 — New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 9, 2019

In life, people tend to support things that have an important impact on their own life, and this is no different for Van Noy just because he’s a professional football player. Van Noy himself was put up for adoption as a baby. He wants to make sure the children growing up through foster families feel important and have the same opportunities as everyone else.

“Seeing the kids smile, having a good time, face painting, eating cookies — that’s always the best,” said Van Noy, courtesy of WHDH’s Dan Atkinson.

With the efforts and support of Kyle Van Noy, there will be over 100 adopted and foster families who will be able to celebrate and have a relatively struggle-free Christmas.

Our Week 14 #CommunityMVP @KVN_03 spread some holiday cheer by blessing 153 financially disadvantaged foster families with a collection of gifts, including winter coats, toys, books and decorated Christmas trees 🎄 at his “A Very Van Noy Christmas” event. pic.twitter.com/stn6c5t341 — NFLPA (@NFLPA) December 13, 2019

Kyle Van Noy definitely deserves to be considered as a Pro Bowler this season for his efforts on the field, and should also be a strong candidate to be the 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year.