NFL Announces All 32 Walter Payton Man of the Year Club Winners for 2025 Season

The National Football League has officially named its 2025 Walter Payton Man of the Year club winners. All 32 teams revealed their nominees for the league’s most prestigious community service award today. This annual honor celebrates players for their excellence on the field and profound impact off it.Each club winner is now a finalist for the national award. The overall Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year will be revealed at the NFL Honors ceremony in February. According to the NFL, the award recognizes players who demonstrate a passion for giving back.

Prestigious Award Recognizes Character and Community Impact

The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year is the league’s highest honor. It goes beyond athletic performance. The award specifically highlights a player’s dedication to community service and philanthropy.Named after the legendary Chicago Bears running back, the award embodies his spirit. Walter Payton was renowned for his humility and generosity. The award was renamed in his honor in 1999 following his passing.Club winners each receive a $40,000 donation for their chosen charity. The national winner’s charity receives a $250,000 donation. An additional fan vote can award up to $35,000 more.

Notable Names Highlight the 2025 List of Honorees

This year’s list features star players from every franchise. High-profile nominees include Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs and Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love and Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry are also among the honorees.Each player was selected by their own team. The selection is based on their outstanding community involvement. Their work focuses on uplifting underserved groups and empowering youth.These 32 men now wear a special helmet decal for the remainder of the season. The decal is a visual symbol of their character. It reminds fans of the positive work players do in their cities.

Fans Can Vote in the Nationwide Charity Challenge

A new fan engagement element is active this year. The Nationwide Charity Challenge allows supporters to vote for their favorite nominee. Voting runs from December 4 through January 5, 2026.Fans can vote on NFL.com/ManOfTheYear. They can also use #WPMOYChallenge on social media with a player’s name. The player with the most votes earns an extra $35,000 for his charity.This initiative directly ties fan support to increased charitable giving. It highlights the powerful connection between players and their communities. The NFL hopes for record participation this season.

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The announcement of the 32 Walter Payton Man of the Year club winners sets the stage for the league’s most heartfelt honor. The national winner will be crowned in Las Vegas this February. This process continues to celebrate the enduring legacy of service that defines the NFL’s best.

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What is the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award?

It is the NFL’s most prestigious individual honor. It recognizes a player for excellence on the field and dedicated community service off it. The award is named after Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton.

How are the club winners chosen?

Each NFL team selects one player from its roster as its nominee. The selection is based on the player’s significant positive impact in the community. Character and leadership are key factors in the decision.

How can fans vote for a winner?

Fans can participate in the Nationwide Charity Challenge. Votes are cast online at NFL.com/ManOfTheYear or by using #WPMOYChallenge on social media. The voting period ends on January 5, 2026.

What do the winners receive for their charities?

Each of the 32 club winners secures a $40,000 donation for their charity. The national winner’s charity receives a $250,000 donation. Fan voting can add up to $35,000 more through the Charity Challenge.

When is the national winner announced?

The overall Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year will be revealed on February 5, 2026. The announcement happens during the NFL Honors awards show. The event is broadcast in primetime.

Who are some past winners of the award?

Recent winners include Dak Prescott, Russell Wilson, and Calais Campbell. All past winners are recognized for their sustained community leadership. They are permitted to wear a Man of the Year patch on their jersey.