The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide is the league’s most prestigious honor, recognizing players who excel on the field and demonstrate a commitment to creating a positive impact beyond the game.
“The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is our league’s most revered honor, celebrating players for their excellence both on and off the field,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “These 32 men represent the best of the NFL, and the incredible contributions they make to their teams and communities every day continue to keep Walter’s legacy alive.”
Below are the AFC North nominees.
Chicago Bears, DJ Moore
Excellence on the Field
Moore is a team leader with 30 catches for 403 yards and one touchdown.
7,934 career yards since 2018
4 1,100+ yard seasons since 2018
Made history in Week 9 this season as the first Bears wide receiver since 1960 to both throw and rush for a touchdown in a season.
Dedication & Commitment to Community Efforts This Year
Moore is a huge community service advocate in Chicago. He attended the Bears Care Gala for the third straight year, which raises funds for innovative breast and ovarian cancer research.
He also supported the Real Bears Fans Wear Pink and other breast cancer initiatives like recording a survivor luncheon video and distributed $120K+ in grants for cancer research and treatment.
He started the Moore 2 Life Foundation in support of inner-city youth, fostering teamwork, friendships and positive relationships. He hosted a Back-to-School Bash in Chicago, handing out over 200 backpacks and hosting a pizza party and STEM activities.
He also had a back-to-school shopping spree for 20 kids. The foundation also contributes heavily in the holiday season, hosting Thanksgiving meals for 150 families and a holiday shopping spree for 10 children.
Dedication & Commitment to Community Efforts in Years Past
Moore founded the Moore 2 Life Foundation in 2018, but his outreach is more than just Chicago. Outside of Chicago, Moore universally supports causes and organizations that better society.
He hosts free annual football camps in Philadelphia, further getting involved with that city and Carolina, in addition to Chicago.
He also supports gun violence survivors, veterans and COVID frontline workers.
Detroit Lions, DJ Reader
Excellence on the Field
10-year veteran
Became the highest-paid nose tackle in Bengals history (2020)
Bengals team captain and helped lead Bengals from 2-14 to Super Bowl
Defensive anchor and leader in Detroit
Dedication & Commitment to Community Efforts This Year
When Reader came to the Lions, he hit the ground running with support. He hosted a back-to-school drive for 250 students and provided free dental screenings. He also hosted a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway for 250 families.
He even met with the community at a meet-and-greet with Peach Cobbler Factory (which is so good, btw).
Reader recently hosted his 8th annual Football Skills & Drills Camp, working with over 250 athletes yearly. He installed “Reader Resource Rooms” in schools in Cincinnati and Greensboro and provides free health screenings and wellness programs to youth.
Dedication & Commitment to Community Efforts in Years Past
Reader honors his late father through the National Kidney Foundation advocacy, raising $175K+ through charity walks and golf tournaments.
In Greensboro, he created memorial scholarships for the students and donated $185K to renovate his high school weight room. He funds travel, equipment, uniforms, and grants for local schools.
He is a huge sponsor for elite AAU programs, including 27 college scholarships and nine pro athletes. This helps the athletes achieve national championship-level success. Reader has a deep. structural investment in youth sports and education.
Green Bay Packers, Jordan Love
Excellence on the Field
Led the Packers to back-to-back playoff appearances
Made history in 2023 as the first No. 7 seed to win a playoff game
He was named the Week 8 NFC Offensive Player of the Week for beating Aaron Rodgers in a head-to-head matchup, putting up three touchdowns for 360 yards.
Dedication & Commitment to Community Efforts This Year
Love has a deep focus on mental health and suicide prevention. He has been a keynote speaker at law enforcement mental health conferences and sponsored suicide prevention walks in Wisconsin and California.
He is also active with the Salvation Army, Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation, and youth programs and law enforcement-community relations. Love is a strong advocate for the Rawhide Youth Services
Dedication & Commitment to Community Efforts in Years Past
Love launched the Hands of 10VE Foundation in 2024 to empower children of all backgrounds to engage in sports, promoting physical and mental well-being. During the season, he dons his foundation on his cleats. He donates a full team’s cleats for every touchdown he throughs, amassing over 1,300 pairs donated.
Love hosts youth football camps in Milwaukee and Bakersfield, providing athletes with skills for on and off the field.
During the holidays, he distributes over 1,100 winter coats.He gave $20K scholarships to youth as well as provided relief grants to first responders. He’s working on expanding his foundation footprint nationwide.
Minnesota Vikings, CJ Ham
Excellence on the Field:
True Swiss Army knife: Fullback, blocker, pass protector, special teams ace
2x Pro Bowler
2x Season-Long Captain
Dedication & Commitment to Community Efforts This Year
Ham hosted his 6th annual youth football camp for over 400 kids in Duluth. He awards scholarships via the Ham Family Scholarship Fund, supporting youth football as well as schools and faith-based groups.
He also hosted the Pamper Her Purple for the 5th year, which is a full spa day for women battling or surviving cancer.
Ham served as a lunchroom volunteer at his kids’ school, hosted a Juneteenth fundraiser basketball game, and participated in the Vikings Project Success Trip to D.C.
Dedication & Commitment to Community Efforts in Years Past:
Ham is a lifelong advocate for the Boys & Girls Club, and continues to support families in need. He adopts families for the holidays to give them a great holiday season. He supports women’s sports and girls flag football, a growing aspect of NFL’s initiatives.
In 2024, Ham was named the American Cancer Society NFL Ambassador of the Year. He consistently visits hospitals and community initiatives, and uses his platform for faith, healing, youth mentorship, and cancer awareness.
All 32 club winners will be recognized for their achievements during the week leading up to Super Bowl LX in the Bay Area. The national winner of the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide will be announced during NFL Honors, a primetime awards special airing on Thursday, Feb. 5.
To learn more about the stories of all 32 players and for more information about the award, please visit NFL.com/ManOfTheYear.
First & Jenn 
Leave a comment