Every player dreams of racking in awards during their pro football career, none more prominent than the Lombardi Trophy. However, every year the NFL recognizes 32 individuals who not only put in the work on the field but make a bigger impact off it. The Walter Payton Man of the Year award acknowledges the NFL’s best for their exceptional community endeavors off the field and their distinction between the lines.
This year’s winner was Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott for his extensive work with his FFF foundation, Faith, Fight, Finish. Prescott’s foundation focuses on colon cancer research, mental health, and suicide prevention.
Prescott lost his mother, Peggy, to colon cancer in 2013 and lost his brother Jace in 2020 when he committed suicide.
Prescott continued his football career and ensured that his mother and brother were always a part of his story.
“My mother once told me every great has a story; let me be your story,” Prescott said during his acceptance speech at the NFL honors on Thursday night.
Prescott also won 250,000 dollars to donate to a charity of his choice upon receiving the Walter Payton of the Year award.
The NFL man of the year award dates back to 1970 when the Hall of Fame Baltimore Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas was the first to win the award. The award’s name was later changed to the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 1999 after the late, great Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton.