The 49ers on Tuesday announced defensive lineman Arik Armstead is the team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee for the second consecutive season.
The WPMOY award is given out each year to players who combine off-field community service achievements with great on-field play.
Armstead is a consistent presence in the community with his foundation, the Armstead Academic Project which aims to provide education equality for students in the public school system.
According to a release from the team, Armstead in September of this year donated $250,000 to Mercy Housing California and created the Armstead Academy at the affordable housing organization:
Serving more than 400 students, Armstead Academy offers academic support, after-school programming, and career exploration opportunities including college campus visits through the Leataata Floyd Student and Family Community Center, a joint resource program offered by Mercy Housing and the Sacramento City Unified School District.
Armstead was a first-round pick of the 49ers in 2015 and for the last three seasons has been a force on their defensive line. This season he’s second on the 49ers with 32 pressures. He’s also tallied 3.0 sacks and 19 tackles.
For his WPMOY nomination he’ll receive a decal to wear on his helmet. 49ers fans can vote for Armstead via Twitter by using #WPMOYChallenge with either his last name or @arikarmstead.
Voting begins Dec. 7 and runs through Jan. 17. The winner will receive a $25,000 donation to a charity of their choice. Second place will receive a $10,000, and third receives a $5,000 donation.
