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 NFC East nominees.
Dallas Cowboys, Solomon Thomas
Excellence on the Field
Signed a two-year contract with the Cowboys in March 2025
Through eight games, recorded 18 total tackles (eight solo), including 5.5 stuffs
Earned a 61.8 grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking in the top half among interior defenders
Has served as a reliable rotational anchor, providing run defense and depth along the defensive front
Dedication & Commitment to Community Efforts This Year
Since joining the Cowboys in March 2025, Thomas has demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement and mental health advocacy.
In April, he partnered with The Dodo to highlight pet adoption and emotional wellness and spoke at the Coppell ISD Mental Health Expo, sharing personal experiences and strategies for resilience with students. In May, he collaborated with Polestar on sustainability and wellness initiatives and delivered the commencement address at UC Irvine Medical School, encouraging graduates to prioritize mental health.
Thomas also participated in Capitol Rally Day Texas, advocating for mental health legislation. In June, he hosted a Kids Football Day Camp centered on physical and mental wellness and partnered with MJ the Musical to amplify mental health awareness through arts engagement. Throughout the summer, he worked with multiple media platforms to normalize conversations around mental health.
In August, Thomas donated $25,000 to Kerr County Mental Health Services to support those impacted by the fatal July 4 floods in Central Texas. During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, he launched a youth mental health collaboration with Dallas ISD, one of the largest comprehensive school-based mental health programs in the country. As part of the initiative, Thomas visited Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy and Pinkston High School, empowering students to embrace leadership and mental wellness alongside former Cowboys players and mental health professionals.
In December, Thomas will present the Dallas Cowboys NFL Foundation Mental Health Grant to Dallas ISD in continued support of mental health and suicide prevention services.
Dedication & Commitment to Community Efforts in Years Past
Thomas has maintained a long-standing commitment to mental health advocacy and youth empowerment. In 2021, he and his parents founded The Defensive Line, a nonprofit honoring his late sister Ella by addressing youth suicide and mental health stigma in communities of color.
He has shared his story through national outlets including CNN, ESPN, People, and The New York Times, helping humanize mental health conversations. In 2023, Thomas received the Heisman Humanitarian Award for his leadership with The Defensive Line.
Prior to 2025, Thomas collaborated with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and organizations such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Vibrant Emotional Health, and Crisis Text Line to promote the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline during National Suicide Prevention Month. He has also served as a keynote speaker at events including the NFLPA Super Bowl Players Summit, Mental Health America forums, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Gala.
These sustained efforts reflect Thomas’s continued dedication to mental health awareness, education, and community impact.
New York Giants, Bobby Okereke
Excellence on the Field
Played in 102 regular-season games with 87 starts
Career totals: 733 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 11 forced fumbles, and five interceptions
In 2023, the only NFL player with 140+ tackles, 10+ tackles for loss, and 10+ passes defensed
One of two defenders to play 100% of snaps (1,128) in 2023
Led the Giants with 149 tackles in 2023
Leads the Giants with 82 tackles through nine games in 2025
Dedication & Commitment to Community Efforts This Year
After years of sustained community service, Okereke expanded his impact to unprecedented levels in 2025.
Following a visit to Nigeria, Okereke assumed a leadership role as General Manager of Team Nigeria’s Men’s and Women’s National Flag Football Teams. His vision centers on building a sustainable pipeline of athletic and leadership talent with the goal of qualifying Nigeria for the 2028 Olympic Flag Football Games. The initiative reflects Okereke’s belief in sport as a vehicle for education, opportunity, and social change.
To support this effort, Okereke founded Nigerian American Football Outreach, Inc. He hosted a fundraiser at his home and a football clinic fundraiser in Jersey City to raise resources and strengthen Nigeria’s presence on the global flag football stage. Through NAFO, Okereke aims to provide youth in Nigeria with access to training, mentorship, and essential resources. Planned initiatives include support for coaches and staff, equipment, facilities, housing, food recovery programs, and economic empowerment projects. Okereke also plans to upgrade or establish one football field in Nigeria each year with new sod, paint, scoreboards, and equipment.
In June 2025, Okereke traveled with Team Nigeria to Cairo for Africa Flag, the first IFAF continental championships series event of the year. Competing against 11 teams from eight African nations, Nigeria’s men’s and women’s teams won gold and were crowned the inaugural IFAF African Flag Football champions. The Nigerian men defeated Egypt 13–12, while the Nigerian women defeated Morocco 26–12. As continental champions, both teams qualified directly for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships.
Okereke also partnered with Osi Umenyiora and the NFL to host multiple events across Africa, including NFL Flag youth championships for U12 boys’ and girls’ teams, an NFL talent identification session, and a coaching education clinic for aspiring female coaches.
At the local level, Okereke committed to visiting all 16 Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey in 2025. As of this season, he has visited 11 locations, sharing his passion for reading, learning, and physical activity with youth. He also hosted a fundraiser at his New Jersey home for fellow Stanford alumnus and New Jersey Senator Cory Booker. During the holiday season, Okereke plans to financially support a family from Nigeria living in Newark, New Jersey, covering rent and providing additional holiday support.
Dedication & Commitment to Community Efforts in Years Past
Okereke has consistently used his platform to promote education, civic engagement, and access to sport in California, New Jersey, and Nigeria.
Since 2023, he has hosted an annual free football camp in Santa Ana, California, serving students in grades three through eight with support from his Foothill High School football program. He partnered with Diana Flores, quarterback of Mexico’s National Girls Flag Football Team, to host a clinic for 200 athletes from the Paterson Recreation girls flag football league. In 2024, Okereke also led a football clinic for the Barbados U17 National Cricket Team during an immersion trip.
That same year, Okereke was introduced to NFL Africa, traveling to Lagos, Nigeria with teammate Kayvon Thibodeaux at the invitation of Giants legend Osi Umenyiora. Together, they helped host a three-day football talent identification camp and multiple NFL Flag activities.
Okereke has remained deeply involved in Giants community initiatives. In 2023, he began his partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey, distributing backpacks and school supplies to 300 children and later returning to unveil a renovated reading room and outdoor reading garden. He supported the Giants’ “Home for the Holidays” initiative by accompanying a single mother on a surprise shopping spree to fully furnish her home through Newark’s Section 8 Homeownership Conversion Program.
He has also championed NFL Votes, participated in National Voter Registration Day events, attended the Giants’ Jingle Jam to support foster care youth, and engaged with Inspire Change through visits to Rutgers–Newark. Okereke regularly participates in team fan events, Salute to Service initiatives, and community engagements throughout the season.
Philadelphia Eagles, Jordan Mailata
Excellence on the Field
Drafted by the Eagles in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft after transitioning from rugby with no prior football experience
Starter on two Super Bowl teams, winning Super Bowl LIX
Owns the second-highest Pro Football Focus offensive grade (92.5) among NFL tackles since 2022
Earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2024
Posted the NFL’s top PFF offensive grade in 2024 (96.9), ranking first in run blocking and second in pass blocking
Anchored an offensive line that helped Saquon Barkley surpass 2,000 rushing yards and set the NFL record for combined regular-season and postseason rushing yards (2,504)
Helped the Eagles set the NFL record for most combined rushing yards in a season (3,866)
Dedication & Commitment to Community Efforts This Year
Mailata has remained actively involved with the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance since 2019. In 2025, he and his wife, Niki, were honored at the organization’s Alliance Bear Affair for their continued support.
With his mother-in-law being a cancer survivor, Mailata and Niki have supported the American Association for Cancer Research, including Mailata selecting the organization as his charity of choice for My Cause My Cleats.
While Mailata is involved with numerous charitable initiatives, his commitment to the Eagles Autism Foundation has remained constant since joining the team in 2018. An annual participant in the Eagles Autism Challenge, Mailata has contributed to the more than $40 million raised for the autism community during that span. He also serves as an ambassador for the Foundation at events such as the Barefoot Country Music Festival, Jason Kelce’s Team 62 Ocean Drive fundraiser, the Eagles Radiothon, and additional community activations.
During the 2025 Eagles Radiothon, Mailata raised $8,300 by offering two separate fan experiences. His viral “Jeff Stoutland University” vignette on Sunday Night Football in 2022 inspired an apparel line that has generated more than $200,000 in support of the Eagles Autism Foundation.
A champion of small and local businesses, Mailata helped bring one of his favorite foods to Lincoln Financial Field. As an ambassador for G’Day Gourmet Pies, a best-selling pie featuring his favorite flavors was named in his honor. He also connected the company with local business Poi Dog, expanding visibility for both brands and introducing fans to his favorite menu items.
Dedication & Commitment to Community Efforts in Years Past
Since arriving in Philadelphia in 2018, Mailata has dedicated significant time and energy to supporting a wide range of charitable organizations. His community outreach has impacted individuals and families connected to the American Heart Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Philadelphia, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Fred’s Footsteps, Laurel House, Liberty Youth Athletic Association, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, MANNA, Simon’s Heart, Women Against Abuse, and others.
Mailata has also leveraged his platform in creative ways. A gifted singer, he joined Eagles teammates and legends Lane Johnson and Jason Kelce to record three holiday albums: A Philly Special Christmas (2022), A Philly Special Christmas Special (2023), and A Philly Special Christmas Party (2024). Collectively, the albums have raised more than $10 million for local charities.
In 2024, the trio launched Operation Snowball, an initiative aimed at providing a holiday gift to every student in the Philadelphia public school system, made possible through proceeds from the group’s third album.
Washington Commanders, Bobby Wagner
Excellence on the Field:
Twelve-year NFL veteran and perennial All-Pro
Multiple First-Team All-Pro selections and Pro Bowl honors
Serves as the anchor and leader of the Commanders’ defense
Recognized as one of the most durable and productive linebackers of his era
Sets the standard through preparation, football intelligence, and leadership
Consistently elevates teammates and reinforces defensive accountability
Dedication & Commitment to Community Efforts This Year
In 2025, Wagner continued his lifelong commitment to service through focused community leadership across the Washington, D.C. region.
At the center of his efforts is the Phenia Mae Fund, Wagner’s signature initiative honoring his late mother. This year, he expanded the fund’s reach by launching a partnership with Children’s National Hospital to support the hospital’s pediatric stroke program. The initiative provides financial assistance and rehabilitation resources for young patients and their families while advancing education and research surrounding stroke prevention.
When Children’s National Hospital sought support ahead of its Race for Every Child event, Wagner personally funded the campaign’s full fundraising goal. He later visited the hospital to meet patients and staff and invited several pediatric stroke survivors to attend a Commanders home game as special guests.
Wagner also expanded his Tackle Everything Tech Tour, guiding 40 students from Prince George’s County and Howard University through an immersive experience focused on technology, entrepreneurship, and venture capital. The program introduced students to leaders at Amazon, Microsoft, and Andreessen Horowitz, providing exposure and mentorship in industries where diversity remains limited.
Beyond organized initiatives, Wagner continued to support individuals and families through quiet acts of generosity. His efforts included funding community needs, supporting families facing medical hardship, and contributing anonymously to local shelters.
Dedication & Commitment to Community Efforts in Years Past
Wagner’s commitment to community impact has remained consistent throughout his career. What began as a personal mission to honor his mother has grown into a platform centered on education, health advocacy, and youth empowerment.
Through the Phenia Mae Fund, Wagner has raised awareness around stroke prevention and patient support. His FAST54 initiative has educated thousands on recognizing stroke symptoms, and his continued partnership with Children’s National Hospital has ensured direct support for pediatric stroke patients and their families.
Wagner has also invested heavily in youth development through education and career readiness programs. His Tackle Everything Tech Tour has connected high school and college students with leaders in technology and venture capital, offering mentorship and access to professional pathways for underrepresented youth.
In addition to large-scale initiatives, Wagner has consistently supported communities through personal outreach, including anonymous donations to women’s shelters, funding holiday experiences for children, and organizing educational and STEM-focused events.
Wagner’s recognition as a Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee across multiple organizations reflects his sustained commitment to service. His work continues to emphasize preparation, follow-through, and long-term impact, transforming compassion into meaningful action within the communities he serves.
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