In each of the past four years, the Los Angeles Rams nominated Andrew Whitworth for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, the ultimate sign of recognition for a player’s work off the field. And finally, Whitworth won the award in 2021, his final season in the NFL.
With Whitworth retired, the Rams have nominated a new player for one of the NFL’s most coveted awards. It was announced on Tuesday that the Rams’ nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is Tremayne Anchrum Jr.
Though Anchrum isn’t a star on a team filled with them, and even though he’s only started one game in three seasons, he’s being recognized for his work off the field, not on it. The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award goes to the player who does great community work and supports charitable causes.
Anchrum volunteers at the Hollywood Food Coalition, the Los Angeles Boys and Girls Club, he supports the Jenesse Center, “a nonprofit domestic violence intervention and prevention organization,” and also supported the U.S. Vets gala to raise money to help solve the issue of veteran homelessness.
“I am honored to be nominated for this amazing award, and to even be in the conversation amongst so many people that are doing so many great things around the country and around the world,” said Anchrum Jr., via the Rams’ official site. “I’m also thankful for the people who have given me an opportunity to serve because I want to make a difference. It doesn’t matter if it’s me or someone down the street, whether I win the award or not, it’s about coming together to help each other and our community. It doesn’t have to be anything big, but meaningful actions taken from the goodness of your heart. If we all came together and asked how we can make the world a better place, I think we would get a really good result.”
This year has been particularly tough on Anchrum, too. He made his first career start in Week 2 and on the first play of the game, he broke his ankle. He stayed on the field for a second play, attempting to push through the injury, but he then came out of the game and was ruled out for the season.
Despite the fact that he didn’t play in Week 13 when players showed support for causes they’re passionate about through the My Cause My Cleats initiative, he raised awareness for Set The Expectation, which is “dedicated to ending sexual and interpersonal violence through prevention work with men, advocacy, and engagement with agencies serving survivors and their families.”
The winner of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award will be announced at the NFL Honors show just before the Super Bowl.
