History of the NFL Man of the Year Award

This site was made to celebrate the good guys in sports. It is important to recognize people for doing the right thing and acting the right way. That is what the NFL Man of the Year is supposed to do with some special NFL football players. This post will acknowledge all those that have won this award during this century, share some information about each individual and link their charities if you want to know more about them. Heck, you may even want to donate to one of these excellent organizations.

The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is presented each year and it honors players for work on and off the field. It was named after Walter Payton starting in 2000, prior to that it was just the NFL Man of the Year. Let's look back at these great players who are better people.

2019 NFL Man of the Year

Calais Campbell

DE Jacksonville Jaguars

Campbell is an active player since 2008, he was traded to the Ravens this offseason
5x Pro Bowler
3x All-Pro
Campbell has 2 Jaguars team records
Started CRC Foundation to teach critical life skills to young people

2018 NFL Man of the Year

Chris Long

DE Philadelphia Eagles

Played from 2008-2018

2x Super Bowl Champion

2007 ACC Defensive Player of the Year

Raised 1.3 Million in 2017 for charity through Pledge 10 for tomorrow.

With his Chris Long Foundation, Long tries to turn obstacles into opportunities, including helping people during the current Covid-19 pandemic.

2017 NFL Man of the Year

JJ Watt

DE Houston Texans

2011-Present

5x Pro Bowler

5x 1st Team All-Pro

3x Defensive Player of the Year

3 Texan franchise records

Raised 37 million for victims of Hurricane Harvey including donating 100,000 himself

President of Justin J. Watt Foundation which provides after school opportunities to children

2016 NFL Man of the Year (Tie)

Eli Manning 

QB New York Giants

2004-2019

2x Super Bowl MVP

4x Pro Bowler

Works with American Red Cross, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, March of Dimes, and more

Started Eli and Abby Manning's Children's Clinics

https://www.umc.edu/Childrens/Eli-Manning-Childrens-Clinics/Eli-Manning-Childrens-Clinics.html

2016 NFL Man of the Year (Tie)

Larry Fitzgerald

WR Arizona Cardinals

Fitzgerald is an active receiver for the Cardinals and has played since 2004

Fitzgerald is a minority owner of the Phoenix Suns

11x Pro Bowler

3x All-Pro

2x NFL reception leader

2x NFL receiving TDs leader

17,083 career receiving yards

120 career receiving TDs

2003 Heisman runner up at Pittsburgh

Holds 25 NFL records and more than 40 Cardinals franchise records

Fitzgerald has numerous charity initiatives led by his first down fund

Larry's First Down Fund is designed to promote reading proficiency and technology access for K-12 youth and support efforts to prevent and cure breast cancer.

Fitzgerald has long been the NFL spokesperson for the fight against cancer.

2015 NFL Man of the Year

Anquan Boldin

WR San Francisco 49ers

Boldin played from 2003-2017 in the NFL

3x Pro Bowler

Super Bowl Champion

National Champion 1999

Boldin attended Florida State University and was the 3rd Seminole to win the NFL Man of the Year Award.
Boldin had 13,779 career receiving yards
Boldin had 82 career receiving touchdowns
He has 5 NFL receiving records and 3 more records for the Cardinals along with one additional Ravens receiving record
Won the award for work with the Q81 Foundation
The Q81 Foundation "is dedicated to expanding the educational and life opportunities of underprivileged children."

2014 NFL Man of the Year

Thomas Davis

LB Carolina Panthers

2005-Present

Davis signed with the Washington Redskins in 2020

Recovered from 3 major ACL tears

3x Pro Bowler

2x All-Pro

Founded Thomas Davis Defending Dreams Foundation TDDDF

TDDDF aims to educate, empower, and defend dreams of underprivileged families

2013 NFL Man of the Year

Charles Tillman

DB Chicago Bears

2003-2015

2x Pro Bowler

1x All-Pro

3x Brian Piccolo Award

Tillman's Cornerstone Foundation helps improve lives of critically and chronically ill children

Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation

2012 NFL Man of the Year

Jason Witten

TE Dallas Cowboys

2003-2017, 2019-Present

11x Pro Bowler

4x All-Pro

Jason Witten's Score Foundation helps victims of domestic violence

https://jasonwitten82.com/foundation/

2011 NFL Man of the Year

Matt Birk

C Baltimore Ravens

1998-2012

6x Pro Bowler

2x All-Pro

Super Bowl Champion

6x Vikings Man of the Year

Named 6th smartest athlete by Sporting News in 2010

Established HIKE foundation which aims to impact lives of at-risk children

HIKE Foundation

2010 NFL Man of the Year

Madieu Williams

S Minnesota Vikings

2004-2012

Madieu Williams Foundation focuses on health and wellness

Madieu Williams Foundation

2009 NFL Man of the Year

Brian Waters

G Kansas City Chiefs

1993-2013
6x Pro Bowl
3x All-Pro
The Brian Waters 54 Foundation helps underprivileged kids. Unfortunately, I could not find a link.

2008 NFL Man of the Year

Kurt Warner 

QB Arizona Cardinals

1994-2009

Hall of Famer

2x NFL  MVP

Super Bowl MVP

4x Pro Bowl

2x All-Pro

10 NFL Passing Records and shares several other records

Founded First Things First Foundation which pays for a week long trip to Walt Disney World for dozens of kids each year

First Things First

2007 NFL Man of the Year

Jason Taylor

DE Miami Dolphins

1997-2011

6x Pro Bowler

4x All-Pro

2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year

The Jason Taylor Foundation Assists South Florida Children in need

Jason Taylor Foundation

2006 NFL Man of the Year (tie)

Drew Brees

QB New Orleans Saints

2001-Present

13 Time Pro Bowler

Super Bowl Champion

5x All-Pro

2010 SI Sportsman of Year

7x NFL Passing Leader

10 major NFL records including most passing yards and touchdowns all-time

Brees really helped reinvigorate New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina

The Brees Dream Foundation aims to improve the life of cancer patients

http://drewbrees.com/

2006 NFL Man of the Year (tie)

LaDanian Tomlinson

RB San Diego Chargers

2001-2011

Hall of Famer

5x Pro Bowl

6x All-Pro

#21 retired by Chargers

2006 NFL MVP

Numerous NFL Rushing Records

His charity is called Team America and aims to lead the country to a new standard of tolerance

2005 NFL Man of the Year

Peyton Manning

QB Indianapolis Colts

1998-2015

14x Pro Bowler

10x All-Pro

5x NFL MVP

Numerous NFL Passing Records

Assisted with Hurricane Katrina relief with brother Eli

The Peyback Foundation aims for future success of disadvantaged youth

2004 NFL Man of the Year

Warrick Dunn

RB Atlanta Falcons

1997-2001

3x Pro Bowler 1997 Rookie of the Year

Atlanta Falcons ring of honor

1993 National Champion with Florida State

3x First Team All-ACC

Dunn challenged NFL players to donate $5,000 to Hurricane Katrina relief and raised 5 million dollars

Founded Athletes For Hope with several professional athletes to help people get involved in charitable causes.

In October, Warrick Dunn helped deliver his 173rd home to a single parent through his Home for the Holidays program

One of the recipients of the Home for the Holidays program was Texan QB Deshaun Watson's mother

2003 NFL Man of the Year

Will Shields

G Kansas City Chiefs

1993-2006

Hall of Famer

12x Pro Bowler

7x All-Pro

Founded Will 2 Succeed which aims to help those with no access to aid.

2002 NFL Man of the Year

Troy Vincent 

CB Philadelphia Eagles

1992-2006

5x Pro Bowler

2x All-Pro

National Advocate for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault

Love Thy Neighbor Community Development and Opportunity Corporation wants to empower people to build healthier communities.

2001 NFL Man of the Year

Jerome Bettis

RB Pittsburgh Steelers

1993-2005

Hall of Famer

Super Bowl Champion

6x Pro Bowler

3x All-Pro

The Bus Stops Here Foundation aims to improve life for underprivileged youth

2000 NFL Man of the Year (tie)

Derrick Brooks

LB Tampa Bay Buccaneers

1995-2008

Hall of Famer

Super Bowl Champion

11x Pro Bowler

9x All-Pro

2002 NFL Defensive Player of the Year

2006 Pro Bowl MVP

100th Anniversary All-Time Team

2000s All-Decade Team

#55 Retired by Buccaneers

2x All-American

1993 ACC Defensive Player of the Year

1993 National Champion for the Florida State Seminoles

208 consecutive starts for weakside linebacker is an NFL record

Founded Brooks-Debartalo HS in Tampa

Derrick Brooks has numerous charitable endeavors headlined by his Brooks bunch program. That program took kids on trips all over the world.

Now, Derrick Brooks Charities do numerous amazing things in the community

2000 NFL Man of the Year (tie)

Jim Flanigan 

DT Chicago Bears

1994-2003
The James Flanigan Foundation aimed to improve child literacy
There was no available link for the James Flanigan Foundation

- Noland

100 Most Likable American Athletes (20-11)

Weeks ago, I started looking at the most likable athletes in this country following the retirements of Derek Jeter and Champ Bailey. That continues today with the latest look at some awesome American athletes. First, let's look back at what we have gone over so far...
Preview
100-91
90-81
80-71
70-61
60-51
50-41

40-31

30-21

Every athlete from here to #1 has a strong case for that top spot. However, the cases get stronger the closer we get. Here are your top 20.

20. Mike Trout

Millville, New Jersey

Current Team: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

After three full seasons as a pro, Trout has appeared in three all-star games. Last season, he was the American League MVP. His two previous seasons he finished as a runner-up for the MVP Award to Miguel Cabrera and many thought he should have won. Now, most people would consider him the best player in baseball and everyone seems to enjoy his play. After only three seasons in the league it is hard to put Trout any higher than this, but he could not have had a much better three years than he has had. Mike Trout has been absolutely fantastic and the best is yet to come. Hard to believe he wasn't the #1 overall pick in the amateur draft. As you can see the cases are getting really strong for #1.

19. Missy Franklin

Pasadena, California

Swimming

The most recognizable female swimmer from the past Olympics has got to be Missy Franklin. She got nearly as much airtime as Phelps did in London. It helps that she won 4 gold medals and a bronze during those Olympics at just 17 years old. Franklin, now 19 has simply dominated international competition and has a lot more of it to do. This girl is going to break a ton of Olympic and international records. She has 22 international medals to her credit already. 14 of those medals are gold, 5 are silver, and 3 are bronze. It is amazing the amount of medals she has picked up in such a short period of time. It is more amazing that her first international medal was won at age 15. I was nowhere near an Olympic athlete at age 15 and I doubt any of you were. As a sophomore in HS this girl was destroying the world's best athletes. In order to remain an amateur during these events, Franklin refused prize money and endorsements. Despite refusing prize money, Frankling is heavily involved in charity work. There is not much not to like about Franklin.

18. Kawhi Leonard

Los Angeles, California

Current Team: San Antonio Spurs

Kawhi Leonard is my second favorite player in the NBA. It is tough not to like the hustle, the dedication to defense, the unselfish play, and the pure excellence. I feel that it is safe to say that his improvement from day 1 in the league is pretty much unparalleled. This guy is young and he is getting better. He is such a lockdown defender and key member of this San Antonio Spurs machine. I believe that he has been spectacular for a while, but the rest of the world caught on during these past NBA Finals. When you outplay LeBron in the NBA Finals, people notice. LeBron still got his, but Kawhi had him flustered in each of the past two finals. You can not ignore the impact that Kawhi Leonard has had on lengthening the Spurs run. If the Spurs are going to do damage again this year, Leonard will have a major role. The 2014 NBA Finals MVP has only good things to come.

17. Charles Tillman

Chicago, Illinois

Current Team: Chicago Bears

If Charles Tillman was not hurt this past season, then he would be Top 5 with a very strong argument for #1 overall. However, Tillman suffered his 2nd consecutive season ending injury this past season. It is hard for you to stay very high on the list when you can't stay on the field. Still, Tillman has to be in the Top 20 because you don't get much more likable than him off the field. His dedication to community service is truly amazing. Tillman was the 2013 NFL Man of the Year and contributes to numerous charitable causes. His Cornerstone Foundation improves the lives of critically ill children and is one of the greatest charities out there. In fact, there have been several stories from people inside the foundation and the recipients of help who have been speaking about how wonderful a person Tillman is. Add in how great he is with NFL fans everywhere and Tillman is a treasure for this league. They do not come much better than Charles "Peanut" Tillman.

16. Clint Dempsey

Nacogdoches, Texas

Current Team: Seattle Sounders FC

Clint Dempsey was the Captain of the United States during this past World Cup run and affectionately called Captain America by many throughout the country. He has been an outstanding leader for the US in soccer as he has represented the team admirably in international play. Dempsey has participated in 3 World Cups and scored goals in all three. By scoring goals in multiple World Cups, he joins and elite club of two. He also happened to score the quickest goal in US World Cup history scoring a goal 30 seconds into a match against Ghana. That is my kind of soccer! Quick with lots of scoring is the way to play! Dempsey is 2nd all-time in goals scored for the national team and doesn't look to be done. In fact, Dempsey is only one behind Landon Donovan in World Cup scoring. Most endearing by him may be the fact that he chose to continue to play in the United States instead of internationally. In addition to all of this, Dempsey is very involved in charity pursuits and is a Roman Catholic (like me!). He is a great person and well deserving of a high spot on this list.

15. TJ Oshie

Mount Vernon, Washington

Current Team: St. Louis Blues

TJ Oshie is the highest ranked hockey player on this list and for good reason. To me, he is the face of the last US Olympic Hockey Team. After he scored a game winning goal during those Olympics he said "the American heroes are wearing camo. That's not me." This was after someone asked him how he liked being the hero for the team. How do you not like the guy after a statement like that? Forget about the game winning goal, that statement alone was enough for inclusion on the list. His play in the NHL and internationally for the US put him firmly in the Top 20.

14. Madison Bumgarner

Hickory, North Carolina

Current Team: San Francisco Giants

Madison Bumgarner soared up this list with a historic postseason run in 2014. I was very tempted to put MadBum in the #1 overall spot. These past playoffs he had as good a postseason as I have ever seen in any sport. His World Series performance was just other worldly. There are no words to describe how good he was. Then you add in that this is his 3rd WS title already and that he is so young and wow! It isn't just a postseason thing either. While he rises to the occasion in the postseason, Bumgarner is just a flat out stud. He does it with class too and he makes you like the way he carries his business. The devout Christian is about as likable as it gets in sports.

13. Gabby Douglas

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Gymnastics

Gabby Douglas had an epic run in the 2012 Olympic Games. She was absolutely dominant and the face of the United States gold medal team. During those Olympics she became the 1st American woman to win an individual all-around and a team gold medal in the same Olympics. That is a pretty fantastic accomplishment and was the highlight of the games for much of the country. The Virginia native has a lot of quality gymnastics left in her and does not look to be stopping anytime soon. Her faith in God keeps her grounded and adds to that likability. Gabby Douglas is a great American and a very likable athlete.

12. Drew Brees

Austin, Texas

Current Team: New Orleans Saints

In the same Forbes survey that listed a Steelers safety as the NFL's most liked player, Drew Brees was listed as the #2 player. Brees is widely acknowledged as the most liked QB in the game. He doesn't have any of the baggage that some of the other QBs have and puts on a show every Sunday. While his skills have diminished at this point, Brees is still quite good at what he does. He isn't perceived as a choke artist ala Peyton, he isn't a cheater ala Tom Brady, and he seems to be liked by everyone as a result. Brees is the guy you root for if you don't like the other elite QBs and a guy you root for even if you do. There is very little not to like about Drew Brees. In addition to all of the obvious on the field stuff, Brees is an absolute superstar off the field. This guy does as much charity work as any athlete and is just a great person. I had Brees in the Top 5, but dropped him down to #12 due to his diminishing skills. The guy is an absolute treasure though.

11. Stephen Curry

Akron, Ohio

Current Team: Golden State Warriors

The 2nd ranked basketball player on this list and #11 athlete overall is Stephen Curry. Curry will likely be the MVP this year and everyone will be happy with it. There is absolutely nothing to hate about this guy. He slipped in the draft because of his size. Before that, he received no big school scholarship offers and took a scholarship at Davidson. While at Davidson he led them on one of the biggest Cinderella runs in NCAA history. Really this guy is about as good as it gets and a rising star in the sports world. He proves it day in and day out and has to earn his keep. His story is the American Dream, well other than the NBA dad part. Not everybody has those genes haha. Curry was able to overcome his obstacles and prove that he belongs and everyone loves him for it.

-Noland

Avengers of Sports

Jenna and I went to see the Avengers last night. She will have a movie review up on Monday @ itsjustcalledspicy. Yesterday, I thought after I saw the movie about who is most like the Avengers in sports. Here is what I came up with.

Captain America - Peyton Manning

Captain America is my favorite superhero. He is the fearless leader of the Avengers. Cap always does what he is supposed to do and isn't too quick to take credit for what happens. Others respect him and he loves his country. Who better represents Cap than the man who calls his own plays and always makes those around him look good. Manning is about as All-American as you can get. Everyone seems to like Manning as well.

Iron Man - Cal Ripken Jr.

I know Ripken doesn't play anymore, but is there anyone who represents Iron Man better than him. Ripken is baseball's Iron Man. Heck, Ripken already has the Iron Man nickname. The guy seemed like he was not of this world. I mean seriously 2,632 consecutive games. The guy was amazing.

Hulk - Haloti Ngata

Ngata is the person I think who best lives up to the Hulk's catch phrase. Hulk Smash. The dude is an animal at nose tackle. Ngata smashes the opposing offensive line, just as he smashes quarterbacks and runningbacks.

Hawkeye - Drew Brees

Is there a more accurate passer than Drew Brees? There may be, but there are not too many. The dude is accurate as can be. He is like an assassin or like Hawkeye from the Avengers. Dude throws bullets.

Thor - Clay Matthews

Just look at Clay Matthews. Matthews looks exactly like Thor. He probably could have played Thor in the movie. He is a powerful linebacker that scares the opposition. Has the ability to crush the people on the opposite side of him.

Black Widow - Alicia Sacramone

In the Avengers, the Black Widow is incredibly flexible and athletic. She does a lot of quick, athletic moves, kind of like a gymnast. A gymnast like say Alicia Sacramone. Sacramone if you remember was on our last summer Olympic team. She performed great for the good ol' USA.

Nick Fury - Mike Tomlin

Just like Fury, Tomlin led a team of superstars while Tomlin was in Pittsburgh. Fury helped choose and lead the team in order to save the world. Tomlin did his deed in order to win the Super Bowl.

-Noland