It didn’t take Jimmy Graham long to make an impact in the Chicago community.
One of the first things Graham did when he arrived was take a look at some local charities that needed his help. He found that in Ignite, an organization that works with at-risk youth in Chicago, which had immediately a six-figure donation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I signed with the Bears right when the pandemic hit,” said Graham. “I just wanted to make sure the first thing I did here was to help the community.”
So it’s no surprise that Graham was named the Chicago Bears nominee for the 2020 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which recognizes the best of the NFL’s commitment to philanthropy and community impact.
Graham is being honored for his work with the Jimmy Graham Foundation with at-risk youth and military veterans.
Honored, Humbled and Elated 🙏🏽 https://t.co/HWujIXmjpF
— Jimmy Graham (@TheJimmyGraham) December 10, 2020
“It’s a true honor to be nominated,” said Graham, via ChicagoBears.com. , “especially for the Chicago Bears because of Walter Payton, what he did for this community, what he did for this organization and all he did for the NFL.”
The NFL Man of the Year Award was renamed after 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.
The Bears’ most recent Walter Payton Man of the Year winner was cornerback Charles Tillman back in 2013. Other winners included Payton, Dave Duerson, Mike Singletary and Jim Flanigan.
