This was commonly referred to as the NFL Man of the Year Award prior to 1999, but the unexpected passing of the great Walter Payton sparked the name change to honor his legacy. Each NFL team has a representative selected as a nominee. A panel of judges that consists of commissioner Roger Goodell, Connie Payton (widow of Walter Payton), last season’s winner, and a host of former players all select the winner.
Past recipients
- 2014 – Thomas Davis, Carolina Panthers
- 2013 – Charles Tillman, Chicago Bears
- 2012 – Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys
- 2011 – Matt Birk, Baltimore Ravens
- 2010 – Madieu Williams, Minnesota Vikings
Drew Brees, who is the only other Saints player to receive the actual award, shared the honor with San Diego’s LaDainian Tomlinson in 2006.