Russell Wilson nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

On Thursday, the NFL announced the 32 nominees for this year’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, made up of each team’s Man of the Year selection.

Among the nominees, who represent “the best of the NFL’s commitment to philanthropy and community impact,” is Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. In recent years, the Seahawks’ nominees have included Bobby Wagner, K.J. Wright, and Michael Bennett, among others. The franchise has just one winner, however, with Steve Largent named Walter Payton Man of the Year (then the NFL Man of the Year award) in 1988.

As a nominee for the league-wide award, Wilson will receive a $40,000 donation in his name to a charity of his choice. Should he win the award, he’ll receive an additional $250,000 to go toward his chosen charity.

Throughout 2020, Wilson has been active in his efforts in the Seattle community and beyond. During the early stages of the pandemic, Wilson and his family made charitable donations across the country, donating meals to those in need. In November, Wilson and Ciara announced the creation of the first Why Not You Academy, a tuition-free charter public high school south of Seattle.

The full list of nominees for the 2020 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award can be found here. The winner will be announced during the NFL’s awards show during the week of the Super Bowl.