Not every honor in the NFL revolves around athletic performance, as evidenced by the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. This prestigious recognition is awarded to a player whose contributions to community service and philanthropy reflect a commitment that goes beyond the football field.
The 2026 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award will be awarded on Thursday night during the NFL Honors ceremony in San Francisco, highlighting the importance of humanitarian efforts among NFL players.
This year’s recipient is Bobby Wagner, linebacker for the Washington Commanders. Wagner has made a significant impact in the community, particularly following the death of his mother during his college years at Utah State. In her memory, he established the Phenia Mae Fund, which focuses on stroke awareness, education, and patient support.
Wagner has emerged as a national figure advocating for stroke awareness and has recently expanded his efforts by funding pediatric stroke care and research at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. He is also dedicated to youth empowerment and education, implementing initiatives like the Tackle Everything Tech Tour. This program aims to introduce students to careers in technology and entrepreneurship, further contributing to the community’s growth and development.
This past season, Wagner demonstrated remarkable athleticism on the field, ranking fifth in the NFL with 162 tackles.
The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award stands as the league’s most notable humanitarian recognition, celebrating not only outstanding performance on the field but also significant community impact. Each of the NFL’s 32 teams nominates a player annually, and a league-wide winner is chosen from this group. The award was first introduced in 1970 and renamed in honor of Hall of Famer Walter Payton, who himself won the award in 1977.
The winner of this exemplary honor receives up to $250,000 in donations to the charity of their choice, while each nominee is granted up to $40,000 to support a nonprofit organization of their selection. Additionally, nominees wear a special helmet decal during the season, and the winner earns the right to carry a distinct patch for the duration of their NFL career.
During the NFL Honors ceremony on February 5, the winner will also be acknowledged on the field prior to Super Bowl 60, ensuring their contributions are celebrated among peers and fans alike. Last year, the award was presented to Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Arik Armstead.
The logo for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year encompasses a football player donned in a flowing cape, symbolizing strength, sacrifice, and a commitment to serve beyond the game. This symbolizes the profound impact that athletes like Wagner have in inspiring both their teammates and communities across the nation.