The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is one of the most esteemed awards the league gives out.
The award recognizes “an NFL player for this excellence on and off the field,” and Brown’s linebacker Myles Garrett is Cleveland’s nominee. Yes, that same Myles Garrett that swung a helmet at Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph last season, concussing him. The same man that was then indefinably suspended (he was ultimately reinstated). The same Myles Garrett that accused Rudolph of using racial slurs (a claim that was strongly disputed by Rudolph’s teammates and head coach).
To be fair, Garrett has worked tirelessly to bring clean water to those that need it all over the world and has also worked to support the Cleveland community during COVID-19 so those in need have food. He also hosted a virtual 5K for the Alzheimer’s Association, visited a Pennsylvania family that lost their house due to a fire and being involved in social justice and voting issues.
Each of the NFL’s 32 teams has a nominee “Representing the best of the NFL’s commitment to philanthropy and community impact”, with tight end Vance McDonald representing the Steelers. McDonald is known for a vicious stiff arm, but never swinging a helmet at another player.
McDonald has worked this year to help over 3,000 families in the area with food and PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic around Pittsburgh.
The winner of the award gets $250,000 to donate to a charity of their choice, with the other 31 nominees getting up to $40,000 to donate to a charity of their choice.
Jacksonville Jaguars Calais Campbell won the award last season, for his dedication to helping kids that need it so they can be successful.
Jerome Bettis was the last Steeler to win the award in 2001 with Lynn Swan, Joe Greene and Franco Harris winning in years past.