In a powerful demonstration of the core values behind the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, several NFL franchises opted to use player family members to announce their 2025 nominees. The announcements transformed a standard team recognition into a genuinely emotional and widely shared tribute, highlighting the deep community roots of the players honored.

This year’s approach, which played out across social media, focused not just on the players’ extensive charitable work off the field, but on the personal lives and supportive structures that allow that work to thrive. By bringing mothers, wives, daughters, and brothers into the spotlight, the teams reinforced that community service is often a family effort.

The use of close relatives to deliver the news served as a poignant reminder of the significance of the award, which honors a player’s excellence on the field and his commitment to philanthropy.

• The Baltimore Ravens introduced their nominee, running back Derrick Henry, with his daughter, who delivered the announcement with heartwarming excitement.
• The Green Bay Packers provided a double dose of family pride, featuring quarterback Jordan Love's wife and mother in their announcement, celebrating not just his professional impact but his personal foundation.
• The Atlanta Falcons leaned on the bond between siblings, having cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr.’s brother shared the news of his nomination.
• The Cleveland Browns chose safety Grant Delpit’s mother, sister and grandmother to announce his nomination, underscoring the role of maternal support in shaping a player’s commitment to giving back.

The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is one of the league's most prestigious honors. Named for the late Chicago Bears legend known for his grace both on and off the field, the award places a premium on charity, volunteer work, and community betterment.

By making the announcements personal, the NFL teams effectively amplified the message of the award. The videos offered viewers a glimpse into the human side of these professional athletes, showing them through the eyes of the people who know their character best. The family-centric presentation underscores the critical role of the family unit—mothers, wives, and siblings—in supporting and championing success, both professional and philanthropic, within the community.

This year’s family-centric approach has set a new standard, turning the nominee announcement from a simple press release into a viral, emotionally resonant event that celebrates the enduring link between athlete, family, and community, all while shining a light on the 2025 nominees for this esteemed honor.