Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus has been nominated for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.
The award recognizes an NFL player for outstanding community service and excellence on the field.
Mercilus launched a foundation, WithMerci, focusing on supporting families of children with disabilities and special needs, donating more than $325,000 over the past two years.
"The Houston Texans have long been appreciative of all that Whitney does for the community since being drafted in 2012," Texans chairman and chief operating officer Cal McNair said. "Giving back to the City of Houston and the Texans community is a vital part of our mission as an organization, and year in and year out, Whitney goes above and beyond.