Among the 32 players who have been selected as finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, Patrick Mahomes, who has won the league MVP award twice, is at the top of the list.

The coveted award, which was named after the late Payton, a running back for the Bears who was inducted into the Hall of Fame, was nominated for by one player from each of the clubs. The player is honored for their outstanding performance on the field as well as their commitment to the community. “NFL Honors,” the television show that will air on February 8 and during which The Associated Press will disclose its individual seasonal award winners, will be the venue for the presentation of this honor, which has been given annually since 1970.

Payton, the award’s namesake, and nine other players who have won both the NFL Man of the Year Award and the NFL Most Valuable Player Award will be among the players that Mahomes will attempt to join. Those who have accomplished the same feat as Kurt Warner, LaDainian Tomlinson, Peyton Manning, Dan Marino, Boomer Esiason, John Elway, Joe Theismann, Ken Anderson, and Johnny Unitas are the other individuals who have accomplished this feat.

A payment of up to $55,000 shall be made in the name of each of the 32 nominees to the charitable organization of their choosing. One of the winners of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award will be given a donation of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars to a charity of his choosing. National Football League Foundation and Nationwide are the generous donors of all donations. The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal will be worn by Mahomes, along with the other 31 nominees, until the end of the season. This is in appreciation of Mahomes’ achievements both on and off the field.

For his efforts with his organization, 15 and the Mahomies organization, which has placed an emphasis on improving the lives of children with a continual focus on supporting health and wellness as well as other communities that are in need of resources, Mahomes was nominated for this award. More than four million dollars’ worth of grants and programs have been dispersed by the foundation up to this point.

In addition, Mahomes has contributed $1,500 for each touchdown scored during the regular season to Boys and Girls Clubs of America, in addition to the $1.625 million that he has already contributed to the organization. He has also collaborated with Make-A-Wish to grant the wishes of ten children who are battling illnesses that are considered to be life-threatening.

In the second half of an NFL football game that took place on Sunday, December 3, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is 15 years old, raises a query about a call that was made against the Green Bay Packers. (Photo by Mike Roemer for the Associated Press)

“As a dad of two, it means the world to me to be able to provide opportunities and support to underserved youth, and my family and I are so humbled to be in the running for an award that means so much to the Chiefs organization and to our community,” Mahomes stated in a prepared statement. “It´s crazy to see the way 15 and the Mahomies has grown and continues to make more and more of a difference for kids here in Kansas City, across Texas and beyond.”

Dak Prescott, the quarterback for Dallas, was the recipient of this honor during the previous season. Russell Wilson, who plays for Denver, and Calais Campbell, who plays for Atlanta, are two of the other active players who have previously won the honor.

The nominees:

Jonathan Ledbetter, Cardinals

Bradley Pinion, Falcons

Roquan Smith, Ravens

Dion Dawkins, Bills

Bradley Bozeman, Panthers

Justin Jones, Bears

Ted Karras, Bengals

Anthony Walker Jr., Browns

DeMarcus Lawrence, Cowboys

Garett Bolles, Broncos

Frank Ragnow, Lions

De´Vondre Campbell, Packers

Jon Weeks, Texans

Zaire Franklin, Colts

Dawuane Smoot, Jaguars

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs

Maxx Crosby, Raiders

Derwin James Jr., Chargers

Cooper Kupp, Rams

Alec Ingold, Dolphins

Harrison Phillips, Vikings

Jonathan Jones, Patriots

Tyrann Mathieu, Saints

Saquon Barkley, Giants

Solomon Thomas, Jets

Lane Johnson, Eagles

Cameron Heyward, Steelers

Arik Armstead, 49ers

Bobby Wagner, Seahawks

Antoine Winfield Jr., Buccaneers

Jeffery Simmons, Titans

Terry McLaurin, Commanders

  

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)