Los Angeles Rams left tackle Andrew Whitworth was named the winner of the 2022 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, it was announced at the NFL Honors ceremony on Thursday.
One of the NFL’s most prestigious honors, the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award honors a player for their community service efforts as well as their play on the field. Each team announces their own nominee for their award that was established in 1970 and renamed after the late Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton in 1999.
As the winner, Whitworth will receive a $250,000 donation to the charity of his choice. All other 31 nominees receive up to $40,000 donated to their charity of choice.
After being nominated, Whitworth spoke more about his involvement with the L.A. community and what it means to him to make such an impact, via TheRams.com:
“I never forget the moments spent out in the community and I’ve appreciated the Rams and the job they have done to be my partner in making a difference for people who deserve our support. To me, one of the longest-lasting things we can do and one of the greatest impacts we can have is not only to win football games, but to win in the communities where we live. That’s how you create a culture that expands outside your building,” said Whitworth.
Whitworth then went on to give an incredible speech at the ceremony after winning:
“Keep investing in each other. And lead with your heart.”@RamsNFL OT Andrew Whitworth delivers a moving #WPMOY acceptance speech. (by @Nationwide) pic.twitter.com/Y3GWKnNx1s
— NFL (@NFL) February 11, 2022
There’s no one more deserving than Whitworth, who has been involved with several programs and initiatives during his time in the Rams in both the Los Angeles and his state of Louisiana communities.
That is in addition to stellar play on the field as Whitworth continues to be one of the best left tackles in football at the age of 40. It’s possible that Whitworth retires after the Super Bowl, so hopefully the Rams can send him out a champion on the field. There’s no doubt he is a champion off the field, and winning Walter Payton Man of the Year in just the latest proof.
This marks the third straight year that Whitworth was the Rams’ nominee for the award, although this was the first time he won it.
