Running back Aaron Jones is the Green Bay Packers’ nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award for the 2021 season.
The annual award represents “the NFL’s commitment to philanthropy and community impact” and serves to recognize “an NFL player for outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on the field,” per the league’s press release.
Jones told Packers.com that the nomination “means everything” to him. The Pro Bowl running back lost his father in April but has remained committed to giving back and helping in the community, both around Green Bay and in his hometown of El Paso.
According to the NFL, each nominee will receive up to a $40,000 donation in their name to their charity of choice, while the eventual winner of the award will receive a $250,000 donation to the charity of their choice.
The winner will be announced during “NFL Honors” before the Super Bowl in February.
As the Packers’ nominee, Jones will wear a “Man of the Year” helmet decal over the final five games of the season.
You can watch an introduction to all 32 nominees for the award at NFL.com.
Previous Packers nominees for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award:
| Year | Player | Position |
| 2014 | Aaron Rodgers | QB |
| 2015 | Sam Barrington | LB |
| 2016 | Jayrone Elliott | LB |
| 2017 | Clay Matthews | LB |
| 2018 | Kenny Clark | DL |
| 2019 | Blake Martinez | LB |
| 2020 | Corey Linsley | C |
| 2021 | Aaron Jones | RB |
