2019 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, Calais Campbell
Every postseason, the NFL announces the 32 players, one from each team, that are in the running for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. The coveted prize salutes the single player that best exemplifies the charity and kindness of volunteer work conducted by the players in that season.
A winner is selected from 32 nominees from the 32 different teams at an end of year celebration. A panel of judges, which includes the NFL Commissioner, the previous year's winner, and a number of former players select the winner of the award from the candidates. The Walter Payton Man of the Year winner receives a $250,000 donation in his name to a charity of his choice and a prestigious trophy. The other 31 finalists also receive donations in their name of $50,000 each to charities of their choice.
Per a February 1, 2020 article on NFL.com, the 2019 recipient of the prestigious award was Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive Lineman, Calais Campbell. Campbell has been selected for the Pro Bowl five times so far in his illustrious career which of itself is an outstanding feat. To be the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, though one has to have some special things going on in the community as well. In Calais’s case he did by founding the CRC Foundation, which was named in honor of his late father per the NFL.com report.
The CRC Foundation moniker is that it is committed to the enhancement of our community through the teaching of critical life skills to young people. Through sports, creative and nutrition, the CRC Foundation helps develop young people into empowered and self-aware leaders for the future.talents, vocational skills, financial skills, and quality health.
The NFL.com article says that Calais has also done some things other than his foundation for his community. He has hosted two special holiday events called Christmas with Calais which are shopping sprees for underprivileged children who have completed some special courses on financial literacy. The Pro Bowler has also held camps and multiple visits to local youth teams to help youngsters with their football skills and reading literacy. Campbell has also worked with Kids Hope Alliance to help offer encouraging words on social justice.
In an interview with NFL Network’s Taylor Bisciotti just after receiving the Man of the Year Award, Campbell told the reporter, “I try to be selfless, I try to help the community. I just want to be a guy that spreads love and joy in the world.” Earlier in the brief interview, the Jags DL said he loved seeing the smiles on children’s faces as another reason he loved giving his time, money and effort to help others.
Mr Campbell is indeed a Class Act and well deserving of the credit for helping others less fortunate. We at PigskinDispatch.com salute them for their humanitarian efforts and giving back to the community.
