Legacy of Walter Payton lives on through the NFL AWARD

On February 7, 2025By Littum

New Orleans (Nexstar) -Ha Walter Payton hung up with his bricks in 1988, he made it as the NFL’s leading rusher all the time. Unfortunately, just 11 years later he died at the age of 45.

Today, however, his name lives as part of League’s Man of the Year Award.

Brown’s Cornerback Denzel Ward, a candidate for this year’s award, joined Chris Hagan and Jarrett Payton, Walter’s son, to discuss what the nomination means to him.

As you can imagine, the award is a source of great pride for Jarrett and his sister Brittney.

“When it took his name in 1999, we never knew it was getting so big,” Jarrett Payton said. “Now to see how much it has grown with the link with nationwide and how Roger Goddell has really raised this award, it is done that guys will win this as if they will win MVP.”

The much sought after award recognizes a player for his commitment to society with each team that submits a worthy nominee.

“It used to be, only three guys were the finalists,” Jarrett said. “Now every team has its nominees. For our family we get a chance now to be able to interact with these guys and continue to ask these guys to continue to do what they are doing because a lot of the things we see about these football players or Athletes, that’s more about the bad things. The good things they do need to be raised even more. “

“The more we can do with this award to really show it and highlight the amazing work that these guys do in their community,” Brittney added. “They really make a difference in changing people’s lives every day. The more we can do as a family to support it and spread the word about their missions to help these organizations continue to grow, that’s a good thing. “

And who is better at being the symbol of good works in the NFL than a man whose nickname was “sweetness”?

“My dad was just one of the friendliest, most gave, generous guys out there,” Brittney said. “I always say they don’t make them as if they were making him more. It is so touching for me to see how his spirit and his legacy continue to live on. “

NFL announces this year’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award at “NFL HONORS” Thursday night.

Pittsburgh Steeler’s defensive Lineman Cam Heyward received the award last year. It marked the sixth time Steelers nominated Heyward for the award. He created the Heyward House Foundation that supports several initiatives in the Pittsburgh area.

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