Allen Robinson is a great receiver on the field, but he might be an even greater person off the field.
So it’s no surprise that Robinson was named the Chicago Bears nominee for the 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which recognizes the best of the NFL’s commitment to philanthropy and community impact.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be the Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee for the Chicago Bears this season,” Robinson said, via ChicagoBears.com. “This means a lot to me, especially given what the Payton name means to this city, organization and league. Thank you to all of those who have supported me, especially my family, teammates and the Bears. Helping the youth in Chicago through my ‘Within Reach Foundation’ will continue to be a priority of mine and I’m excited to see what else we can accomplish.”
The NFL Man of the Year Award was renamed after Walter Payton as a tribute to his greatness both on and off the field. He passed away on Nov. 1, 1999 at the age of 45 due to bile duct cancer.
Robinson is involved in the Chicago community through his “Within Reach Foundation,” which provides educational resources to low-income and inner-city Chicago students to ensure them that they’re capable of success.
He’s done everything from launching a Reach for a Book Reading Zone for a Boys and Girls Club in Chicago to most recently hosting an Operation Elf event, where he took 25 kids from Chicago Youth Centers on a shopping spree.
“Being able to raise money but also being able to see the excitement that kids have when they can go on a little shopping spree for Christmas. And being able to see the smiles on kids’ faces when they have the opportunity to get whatever they want going back to school.”
The Bears’ most recent Walter Payton Man of the Year recipient was cornerback Charles Tillman in 2013. Other winners included Payton, Dave Duerson, Mike Singletary and Jim Flanigan.
