Tight end Jimmy Graham was named the Bears’ nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which is given each year to the NFL player who embodies the intersection of philanthropy and on-field excellence.
After signing with the Bears in March, Graham researched charities and decided to make a six-figure donation to Ignite, which helps at-risk youth in Chicago. Graham, who is a pilot, arranges for helicopter and airplane rides for at-risk kids and military veterans through his own Jimmy Graham Foundation.
The award, which is named after the former Bears great, is given out the night before the Super Bowl at NFL Honors.