Russell Wilson receives Walter Payton Man of the Year award

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Charlie Riedel-The Associated Press

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This year’s Walter Payton Man of of the Year Award goes to Seattle Seahawk Quarterback Russell Wilson. 

Wilson states “I got out here and my whole thought process on my heart was, I want to make a difference. One, I want to start, I want to play, I want to have a long career and win multiple Super Bowls and hopefully go to the Hall of Fame, do all that stuff—that was my thought process my rookie year before I even hopped on the plane here. The other part was I really wanted to make an impact on the city, and I really wanted to be able to make a difference in the community.”

For the past nine years Wilson has been able to live up to those goals, becoming a Super Bowl champ, above all making an impact in the community.

On the NFL Honors Show Wilson received the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. 

The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is a distinguished tribute the NFL players receive. In 1970 the award was established and was renamed Hall of Fame in 1999, this award acknowledges the distinction on and off the field. The teams nominate a player each year, and by winning Wilson received $250,000 which was donated to Russell and Ciara Why Not You Foundation. Started in 2014, the non-profit  commits to fighting poverty through education, inspiring youth to lead with the why not you attitude. Wilson has become only the second player from the Seahawks to receive this award along with 1988 winner Steve Largent.

“The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, to me, represents excellence, not just on the field, but more importantly off the field,” Wilson said. “In life, we’re granted the opportunity to have an impact, no matter what sphere of influence we’re around. Walter Payton was one of the greatest examples of what he was able to do not just on the field, but more important off the field to give back and to serve and to love and to care. For me, to be able to be even mentioned with a name like Walter Payton is one of the greatest blessings I could ever have and one of the greatest honors you could ever have.”

The act of giving back for Wilson is nothing new. Prior to  his rookie season he would visit the Seattle Children’s hospital and has never stopped going back. Every Tuesday throughout his career and, even during the pandemic he continued by doing virtual visits. 

Russell Wilson is truly deserving of this award and we cannot wait to see how he continues to give back. 

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