On Thursday, the Patriots (11-2) announced that tight end Hunter Henry had been selected as the team’s selection for the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is widely regarded as the league’s most prestigious honor, with a statement from the team saying it “recognizes players who excel on the field, and demonstrate a commitment to making a positive impact beyond the game.”
Here’s what the team had to say about their 30-year-old tight end:
“Henry, now in his 10th NFL season, ranks fifth among active tight ends in touchdowns and sixth in receptions and receiving yards. Since joining New England in 2021, he has been a reliable target and three-time team captain, known for his leadership, toughness, and clutch playmaking. In 2024, he led the Patriots with a career-high 66 receptions for 674 yards. Among tight ends, he currently ranks third in franchise history with 240 receptions.
“Off the field, Henry has distinguished himself through his unwavering commitment to service. Inspired by a mission trip to Kenya with his wife, Parker, where they witnessed the work of International Justice Mission (IJM) firsthand, Henry has become a passionate advocate in the fight against human trafficking and slavery worldwide. He has used his platform to raise awareness and funds for IJM’s efforts. This year, he wore custom cleats as a part of the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative. His cleats were designed by Daniel Nartey from Ghana, a survivor of child labor who now channels his healing through art. Beyond Henry’s global advocacy, he has also invested deeply in his community, supporting child sponsorship through Compassion International, organizing bike giveaways, visiting schools, partnering with Special Olympics, and hosting holiday programs for families in need. In 2025, he and Parker launched the inaugural Rally for Rescue ping pong fundraiser, generating more than $316,000 to aid victims of trafficking. In August, his leadership in the community was recognized by Robert Kraft, who presented Henry with the prestigious Patriots Ron Burton Community Service Award.”
According to the statement, all 32 club nominees will be recognized for their achievements during the week leading up to Super Bowl LX in the Bay Area. The national winner of the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award will be announced during NFL Honors, which will air on Thursday, February 5.
Fans are encouraged to participate in Nationwide's annual Charity Challenge, a social media and online contest that allows fans to show support for their favorite Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year club winner.
Fans can vote on X by posting #WPMOYChallenge along with the last name/X handle of their chosen player, or by voting directly on NFL.com/ManOfTheYear.
The charitable beneficiary of the player who receives the most collective hashtag mentions and online votes will win an additional $35,000 donation from Nationwide, with the nonprofit partners of the runner-up and third-place finishers receiving $10,000 and $5,000, respectively.
Charity Challenge voting takes place from December 4 through January 5, 2026.
Beginning Week 14 and continuing through the end of the season, each of this year's club winners, including Hunter Henry, will wear a special “Man of the Year” helmet decal in recognition of their accomplishments on and off the field.
No member of the Patriots has ever won “Man of the Year,” and only two players with ties to the team at some point in their career were ever given the honor.
In 1994, Chargers linebacker Junior Seau won the prestigious honor. The late Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker finished his career in New England (2006-09).
In 2018, defensive end Chris Long won the award while as a member of the Eagles. This came two years after his lone season in New England (2016), where Long was a key contributor to the pass rush that helped complete the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history.
The last 11 Patriots to be nominated for Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year:
2024 - Deatrich Wise Jr.
2023 - Jonathan Jones
2022 - Lawrence Guy
2021 - Lawrence Guy
2020 - Devin McCourty
2019 - Kyle Van Noy
2018 - Devin McCourty
2017 - Nate Solder
2016 - Rob Gronkowski
2015 - Devin McCourty
2014 - Devin McCourty
Tune in each and every Monday throughout the football season to Patriots Monday on WEEI. Head coach Mike Vrabel joins The Greg Hill Show at 6:30 a.m. ET, and quarterback Drake Maye joins WEEI Afternoons.