NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that Brian Waters of the Kansas City Chiefs has won the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. He made the announcement just prior to Super Bowl 44, in which the Saints upset the Colts 31-17.
The Man of the Year award has been awarded by the NFL since 1970. It was re-named in Walter Payton's honor in 1999, after his death. Payton battled the rare liver disease primary sclerosing cholangitis for several months, then died on November 1, 1999.
Each team nominates one player for the award. The award recognizes a player for his community service activities as well as his gameplay. A charitable donation of $25,000 will be made by the NFL in Brian Waters' name.
Receiving the award at midfield prior to the game, Brian Waters said the following:
"I am so appreciative of my wife, family, the National Football League, the Kansas City Chiefs and my teammates for their support. Most of all I am thankful to the many organizations and families that partner with the 54 Foundation. Their generosity and kindness have been a blessing to us.
"It is an honor to be considered for, and to win this illustrious award! I hope that I can be an encouragement to others to get involved and impact their own communities."
In 2004 Brian started “The Brian Waters 54 Foundation” to help inner city youth in Greater Kansas City and his hometown of Waxahachie, TX.
Brian Waters plays guard for the Kansas City Chiefs. The image above is from the 2009 Pro Bowl. Other finalists this year were LB London Fletcher of the Washington Redskins and WR Mike Furrey of the Cleveland Browns.
Written by Michael Santo
HULIQ.com
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
