True Class Act
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.
The Award was inaugurated in 1970, soon after the AFL/NFL merger and donned the legendary Johnny Unitas as the first recipient that year. The NFL Man of the Year was awarded to Chicago Bears Running Back Walter Payton in 1977 and later in 1999 and subsequent seasons has brandished his name for his legendary humanitarian acts during his 13 year career in the Windy City.
We will honor this great player and human who had an untimely death in 1999 at the age 45 due to a rare disease as our first Classic Class Act subject. Payton, known as "Sweetness" was a great player who worked hard and was known for his outstanding runs during his career. He even was the NFL's all time leading rusher until Emmet Smith surpassed him. As great of a player as he was, his off field legacy far surpasses what he did while in a Bears uniform.
Payton and his wife, Connie (Norwood) Payton started a charity in 1988 aptly named the Walter Payton Foundation that aided needy children in the streets of Chicago. ("Walter Payton." Encyclopedia). After his playing days in the NFL were over, Payton devoted his life and finances to helping others, mainly children. He co-founded a theatre program at an elementary school. Payton was famous for his legacy and charity work, and is still viewed today: "Walter Payton's charitable legacy endures today through the work of the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation. The Foundation's website touts their mission statement, to take an active role in helping those less fortunate to find stability while providing positive opportunities needed to live their lives with dignity and pride.
The WCPF also states on their site, payton34.com ,that "programs are being initiated to provide children and Veterans with the tools and the opportunities to live their lives with dignity and pride!"
The group holds multiple fundraising and charitable events each year including a Veteran;s Project, Holiday Giving, the Sweetness Run,a School Supply Drive and the Soldier Field Toy Drive.
Walter and Connie Payton are in deed Class Acts 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.
