PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — In his 11 seasons in midnight green, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce has become one of the most popular athletes in Philadelphia sports history. The Ohio native not only capped the elusive 2018 Super Bowl victory with a legendary parade speech — he has ingratiated himself in the community with good work off the field.
Because of that, the Eagles have nominated 34-year-old Kelce for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
Every NFL team nominates one player each year. The prestigious award recognizes community service and excellence on the gridiron.
"To be named the Eagles’ Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year is an incredible honor," Kelce said in a statement. "I've been blessed to come to work every day for the past 11 years doing what I love for a team and city that means the world to me. The Eagles organization is family, and this city is home. It’s a humbling experience to be recognized alongside men around the league who are making a difference in their communities."
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Kelce has been very involved in the team's signature charity, the Eagles Autism Foundation. He and his family participate in numerous events tied to the foundation, such as the Eagles Autism Challenge. This summer, Kelce and his wife, Kylie, hosted an EAF fundraiser in Sea Isle City, New Jersey, where he worked as a celebrity bartender. The event raised $50,000, which the Kelces matched.
The Kelces have also committed themselves in other ways to the support and advocacy of people with autism. For instance, Kelce visited his wife's autism support classroom to spend time with the students.
And he volunteers his time with several nonprofits in Philadelphia, including Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House, Bringing Hope Home and Liberty USO.
"Jason Kelce is a man of character and honor who embodies everything that is great about the game of football," Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie said in an official statement. "Jason is a leader on and off the field who relentlessly attacks life with a tenacious sense of loyalty, selflessness, and grit. He pours his heart and soul into the game and does it all for his team, this city, and our fans. … Jason is the ultimate pro who has solidified his rightful place as one of the most beloved athletes in the great sports history of Philadelphia."
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A Twitter video announcing the nomination shows an interview between Kelce and former Eagles linebacker and defensive lineman — and former nominee — Connor Barwin, interspersed with introductions to various people in the community who Kelce's work has affected, as well as his family.
The 2021 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year will be announced on the Thursday before Super Bowl LVI during the NFL Honors telecast. All 32 nominees will receive up to $40,000 to donate to their preferred charity, and the winner will get a $250,000 donation in his name.
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Up until Jan. 17, fans can also help nominees raise additional money for their charity by voting for a player on Twitter with their name and the hashtag #WPMOYChallenge. The player with the most votes will get $25,000 to give away, and the ones in second and third place will receive $10,000 and $5,000, respectively.
Three Eagles have won the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in previous years: Harold Carmichael in 1980, Troy Vincent in 2002 and Chris Long in 2018.