
The NFL on Thursday announced all 32 of its club nominees for the 2025 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, a prestigious annual accolade that "recognizes an NFL player for his excellence on and off the field." The prize was first established in 1970, but was renamed in 1999 to honor late Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton.
Although just one winner is selected from the bunch, it is a tremendous honor to be nominated for the award. Each nominee is recognized starting in Week 14 with a special helmet decal they'll wear through the end of the season, and franchises often go to great lengths to surprise the player with news of their selection in a special and meaningful way.