Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Sun-Times
National
Patrick Finley

Justin Jones is Bears’ Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee

Bears defensive tackle Justin Jones stretches. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Bears defensive tackle Justin Jones is the team’s nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

Beginning this week, Jones and the other 31 nominees will wear a helmet sticker to recognize their achievement. The winner will be announced during NFL Honors on Feb. 8 as part of the lead up to the Super Bowl in Las Vegas.

The trophy, which honors players who excel on the field and make a positive impact off of it, was created in 1970 and named after the former Bears star running back in 1999.

The Bears cited Jones’ work with the Allendale Association, which benefits kids facing behavioral challenges, and the Youth Guidance Program.

“His leadership with the team has been outstanding since he’s been here,” general manager Ryan Poles said in a statement.

Cornerback Charles Tillman is the most recent Bears player to win the award, having done so in 2013.

Jones is in his second season with the team after the Bears signed him away from the Chargers in March 2022. Jones has two sacks and 34 tackles this season.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.