Sacramento’s Arik Armstead nominated for Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year for 2022

Sacramento native Arik Armstead was named Tuesday as the San Francisco 49ers‘ Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year for 2022.

Every team nominates one player to recognize “an NFL player for outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on the field.” The award was created in 1970 but was renamed in in 1999 after the late, great Chicago Bears running back.

This is the third year in a row Arik Armstead has been nominated for the award.

“Armstead has been a consistent philanthropist, with a particular focus on education in his hometown of Sacramento, California,” the 49ers said about their defensive lineman. “In September of 2021, Armstead made his largest donation to date when he pledged $250,000 to Mercy Housing California, an affordable housing organization.

According to the NFL’s press release, all nominees receive a $40,000 donation to the charity of their choice. The winner, however, can receive a donation of up to $250,000 to the charity of their choice.

“Nationwide is proud to recognize and honor the extraordinary efforts of the 2022 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominees,” Ramon Jones, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Nationwide, said in the NFL’s press release. “We look forward to showcasing the players’ stories, supporting their causes, and celebrating the collective impact they are making in communities across the country.”

The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by @Nationwide honors players making an impact both on-the-field and in their communities. #ItTakesAllOfUs to make a difference.

See all 32 nominees here: https://t.co/D8sTbEfNsc #WPMOY pic.twitter.com/KuvbOEOHvT

— NFL (@NFL) December 6, 2022

Armstead has battled injuries this season but made his return to the field in Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins.

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