The Minnesota Vikings and the NFL have just announced that defensive lineman Harrison Phillips has been named the team's nominee for the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
Considered the league's most prestigious honor, the award is given to players who show excellence on the field but also whose passion impacts lives off the field and leave positive legacies in their communities.
Phillips was chosen for his work through his Playmakers charity, which operates in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, Buffalo, New York and here in the Twin Cities.
“We are extremely proud of Harrison and his wife, Shae, for the immediate impact they have made in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area,” said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf. “With his work through Harrison’s Playmakers and with many local organizations, Harrison is an incredible role model to his teammates and pushes those around him to serve and inspire others. We appreciate his endless dedication to our community and are thrilled to nominate him for this prestigious honor.”
Phillips was nominated in back-to-back years in 2020 and 2021 while playing for the Buffalo Bills.
The Man of the Year Award will be announced during the primetime NFL Honors program on Thursday February 8, leading up to Super Bowl LVIII which is on WCCO-TV.
All 32 of the team's nominees will be recognized for their achievements during the week leading up to the Super Bowl.
The Vikings held an event to celebrate Phillips’ nomination on Monday, December 4, during which Harrison’s Playmakers surprised Phillips with a party while Phillips planned to join virtual events he was hosting in Buffalo and Omaha.
Since entering the league in 2018, Phillips’ dedication to community efforts has extended over multiple communities and in many capacities. During his time with the Buffalo Bills, he established the Harrison’s Playmakers program, which supports children and young adults with developmental differences and needs. The nonprofit has grown immensely since its inception, now with Playmakers groups in Buffalo, Minnesota and Phillip’s hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. Phillips charges no admission to his camps but does ask that each camper bring an item to donate for a pet shelter or other local charity, providing a path for others to show their giving spirit.
“It is very humbling to be selected as the Vikings 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee,” said Phillips. “The support my teammates have shown since beginning my foundation’s work in Minnesota is remarkable. Blessed is an understatement. On a team filled with so many guys doing so many good things in their communities, for them to give me their vote means so much. To represent the Vikings organization, Harrison’s Playmakers, including individuals with developmental differences and special needs, and of course the great state of Minnesota with this nomination is truly an honor.”
For more information on the nominees and the award click here.