For the second year in a row, Andrew Whitworth has been nominated for the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. He didn’t wind up winning last year as a member of the Rams, but simply being nominated is an honor in itself.
The award is given to the player who displays leadership and strong character both in the community and on the field. Whitworth is an active member of the Los Angeles community, as evidenced by his work last season in wake of the tragic shooting in Thousand Oaks and the wildfires that impacted the area around the Rams’ facility.
“Every day, in cities and towns across America, NFL players give of themselves to make our communities better,” Roger Goodell said in a press release. “The 32 nominees for this year’s award are the best of the best and truly embody the spirit of Walter and his legacy of leaving the world better than he found it.”
Whitworth is in his 14th NFL season and is undoubtedly a leader in the Rams locker room. As the eldest player on the team, he’s taken younger teammates under his wing – especially the rookie offensive linemen.
The winner of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award will be announced on Feb. 1 at the NFL Honors show, one night before the Super Bowl. He will receive a $250,000 donation to the charity of his choice, while each player nominated will receive a $50,000 donation to charity, as well.
