Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award

Lore & Background

The NFL Man of the Year trophy was created in 1969 by artist Daniel Bennett Schwartz, depicting an undistinguished caped lineman standing alone on the sidelines, outside of game action. While offensive lineman Steve Wright was used as a model for the sculpture, the trophy has never been intended to specifically resemble anybody, symbolizing that the award is meant to recognize any player, including those in lower-profile positions. Each year, a winner is selected from 32 nominees from the 32 different teams. A panel of judges, which includes the Commissioner of the NFL, the previous year's winner, and a number of former players, selects the winner. The winner receives a $250,000 donation in his name to a charity of his choice; the other 31 finalists receive $50,000 each. The Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Chicago Bears have had five winners each, more than any other teams.

In Their Own Story

The lights dimmed over Soldier Field, yet inside the team's private wing, the spotlight lingered on a single glass case holding a gleaming gold figure. A veteran linebacker stood before it, helmet tucked under his arm, tracing the inscription: 'Walter Payton.' The air carried a weight heavier than any Super Bowl ring—a silence that spoke of lives changed rather than yards gained. He remembered the man who ran through defensive lines with unstoppable force yet paused to lift up strangers without seeking credit. In that quiet moment, the roar of the stadium faded into memory, leaving only the enduring truth that Payton's greatest plays were never recorded on a scoreboard.

Reader's Guide

Since 2017, previous winners who are currently active in the league wear a patch depicting the trophy on their uniforms for the rest of their NFL careers. The current active winners (in chronological order) are Calais Campbell, Dak Prescott, Cameron Heyward, Arik Armstead and Bobby Wagner. Once the 32 nominees are announced, each is given a small helmet decal depicting the trophy to wear for the remainder of that season. Recent winners have also been acknowledged during the Super Bowl pre-game ceremony before 'America the Beautiful' and 'The Star-Spangled Banner'. The NFL describes the award as its 'most prestigious accolade'.

Did You Know?

• The trophy was created in 1969 by artist Daniel Bennett Schwartz.
• Offensive lineman Steve Wright was used as a model for the trophy sculpture.
• The award was renamed after Walter Payton shortly after his death in 1999.
• The Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Chicago Bears each have five winners, the most of any team.