NFL Honors 2025: Jaguars' Arik Armstead named 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, Winners History

— Arik Armstead, a defensive lineman for the Jacksonville Jaguars, has been awarded the 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.

Armstead took home the honor on Thursday night at the NFL Honors ceremony held at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans. The Man of the Year Award recognizes an NFL player’s excellence on and off the field, celebrating those who have made positive impacts in their communities.

Armstead is the second player from the Jaguars to receive this honor, following in the footsteps of Calais Campbell, who won the award in 2019. The video at the top of this story is an interview Armstead did last year, as a nominee with the San Francisco 49ers.

Armstead and his wife, Melinda, lead the Armstead Academic Project, an organization dedicated to providing students of all backgrounds with the resources they need to thrive.

Last Year WINNER: Across 13 NFL seasons, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward's work within the community and his charitable endeavors have been recognized as much as his on-field excellence.

Walter Payton NFL Man of Year award winners list by year.

What is the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award?

NFL Walter Payton is awarded for the best performance from each NFL Team's player nominees for his commitment to philanthropy and community service, off the field world & its impact as well as excellence on the field. and is now eligible to win the national award.

The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award recognizes an NFL player for his excellence on and off the field. The award was established in 1970. It was renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame Chicago Bears running back, Walter Payton. Each team nominates one player who has had a significant positive impact on his community.

How Much Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Winner Can Donate.?

The winner of the award each year receives $250,000 donated to United Way in his name to expand Character Playbook across the country and up to $250,000 donated to the winner's charity of choice.

All other 31 nominees will receive a $40,000 donation in their name to expand Character Playbook and up to $50,000 donated to their charity of choice.

All donations are courtesy of the NFL Foundation, Nationwide and United Way Worldwide.

List of Walter Payton Man of the Year Winners by year From 1970-2025.

Below is a full list of all previous winners of the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award from 1970-2025.

2025 —

2024 — Arik Armstead, defensive lineman, Jacksonville Jaguars

2023 — Cameron Heyward, defensive lineman, Pittsburgh Steelers.

2022 — Dak Prescott, Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys

2021 — Andrew Whitworth, Tackle, L.A. Rams

2020 — Russell Wilson, Quarterback, Seattle Seahawks

2019 — Calais Campbell, Defensive End, Jacksonville Jaguars

2018 — Chris Long, Defensive End, Philadelphia Eagles

2017 — J.J. Watt, Defensive End, Houston Texans

2016 — Eli Manning, QB (NY Giants), and Larry Fitzgerald, WR (Arionza)

2015 — Anquan Boldin, Wide Receiver, San Francisco 49ers

2014 — Thomas Davis, Linebacker, Carolina Panthers

2013 — Charles Tillman, Defensive Back, Chicago Bears

2012 — Jason Witten, Tight End, Dallas Cowboys

2011 — Matt Birk, Center, Baltimore Ravens

2010 — Madieu Williams, Safety, Minnesota Vikings

2009 — Brian Waters, Guard, Kansas City Chiefs

2008 — Kurt Warner, Quarterback, Arizona Cardinals

2007 — Jason Taylor, Defensive End, Miami Dolphins

2006 — Drew Brees, QB (N.O.) and LaDainian Tomlinson, RB (S.D.)

2005 — Peyton Manning, Quarterback, Indianapolis Colts

2004 — Warrick Dunn, Running Back, Atlanta Falcons

2003 — Will Shields, Guard, Kansas City Chiefs

2002 — Troy Vincent, Defensive Back, Philadelphia Eagles

2001 — Jerome Bettis, Running Back, Pittsburgh Steelers

2000 — Derrick Brooks LB (Tampa) and Jim Flanigan DT (Chicago)

1999 — Cris Carter, Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings

1998 — Dan Marino, Quarterback, Miami Dolphins

1997 — Troy Aikman, Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys

1996 — Darrell Green, Cornerback, Washington Redskins

1995 — Boomer Esiason, Quarterback, New York Jets

1994 — Junior Seau, Linebacker, San Diego Chargers

1993 — Derrick Thomas, Linebacker, Kansas City Chiefs

1992 — John Elway, Quarterback, Denver Broncos

1991 — Anthony Munoz, Tackle, Cincinnati Bengals

1990 — Mike Singletary, Linebacker, Chicago Bears

1989 — Warren Moon, Quarterback, Houston Oilers

1988 — Steve Largent, Wide Receiver, Seattle Seahawks

1987 — Dave Duerson, Safety, Chicago Bears

1986 — Reggie Williams, Linebacker, Cincinnati Bengals

1985 — Dwight Stephenson, Center, Miami Dolphins

1984 — Marty Lyons, Tackle, New York Jets

1983 — Rolf Benirschke, Kicker, San Diego Chargers

1982 — Joe Theismann, Quarterback, Washington Redskins

1981 — Lynn Swann, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers

1980 — Harold Carmichael, Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles

1979 — Joe Greene, Defensive Lineman, Pittsburgh Steelers

1978 — Roger Staubach, Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys

1977 — Walter Payton, Running Back, Chicago Bears

1976 — Franco Harris, Running Back, Pittsburgh Steelers

1975 — Ken Anderson, Quarterback, Cincinnati Bengals

1974 — George Blanda, Quarterback, Oakland Raiders

1973 — Len Dawson, Quarterback, Kansas City Chiefs

1972 — Willie Lanier, Linebacker, Kansas City Chiefs

1971 — John Hadl, Quarterback, San Diego Chargers

1970 — Johnny Unitas, Quarterback, Baltimore Colts

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