Fri Dec 05 00:10:00 UTC 2025: NFL Announces 32 Nominees for 2025 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

NEW YORK – The NFL has unveiled the 32 club nominees for the prestigious 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, presented by Nationwide. This award, the league’s highest honor, recognizes players for their exceptional on-field performance and their dedication to making a positive impact in their communities.

“The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is our league’s most revered honor, celebrating players for their excellence both on and off the field,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “These 32 men represent the best of the NFL, and the incredible contributions they make to their teams and communities every day continue to keep Walter’s legacy alive.”

The nominees, each representing their respective NFL team, will be recognized during Super Bowl LX week in the Bay Area. The winner will be announced at the NFL Honors ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 5.

Each club winner supports various causes, including uplifting underserved communities and empowering youth to lead healthy lifestyles. Their chosen charities will receive up to $40,000, while the national winner’s charity will receive up to $250,000, courtesy of the NFL Foundation and the Nationwide Foundation.

Fans can participate in Nationwide’s Charity Challenge by using #WPMOYChallenge alongside the nominee’s name or X handle on X or through NFL.com. Voting runs from Dec. 4 through Jan. 5, 2026. The player with the most votes will secure an additional $35,000 donation for their charity, with runner-up and third-place charities receiving $10,000 and $5,000, respectively.

Additionally, Homage is producing a special Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year-inspired Gladiator product to celebrate this year’s club winners.

The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, established in 1970 and renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Famer, has honored 58 players, including current players Arik Armstead, Cameron Heyward, Dak Prescott, Russell Wilson, and Calais Campbell.

For more information on the nominees and the award, visit NFL.com/ManOfTheYear.

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