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Fitzgerald, Thomas, Witten named finalists for Walter Payton Man of the Year award

Posted by Mike Florio on January 20, 2013, 8:19 PM EDT
Fitzgerald Getty Images

Among the various awards to be distributed the night before the Super Bowl will be the one that combines on-field performance with off-field service.

This year, the finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award are Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald, Browns left tackle Joe Thomas, and Cowboys tight end Jason Witten.

The award, renamed for Hall of Famer Walter Payton in 1999, was first given in 1970, to John Unitas.  Payton won the award in 1977.  Last year’s winner was Ravens center Matt Birk.

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12 Responses to “Fitzgerald, Thomas, Witten named finalists for Walter Payton Man of the Year award”
  1. syncro9z says: Jan 20, 2013 8:26 PM

    Fitz is a super individual. Dude had an awful season with us and never complains, never turn diva. He just lines up and goes right to work on every snap. Personally id imagine hes just as good. Go #11

  2. fuglyflorio says: Jan 20, 2013 8:32 PM

    What on earth is the criteria for this award ?

  3. shawon0meter says: Jan 20, 2013 8:56 PM

    Adrian Peterson should be in this.

  4. daysend564 says: Jan 20, 2013 9:04 PM

    Maybe Peterson should do more for his community and then he’d be in this.

    Witten FTW!!!

  5. allidoiswin55 says: Jan 20, 2013 9:14 PM

    Congrats Russell Wilson is. Shoe in this award for years to come.. He visits the local hospital at least 2times a week. Once he gets a real NFL salary he can add to his foundation. Great players give back. Kudos to the winners happy my team has a good guy like this to lead them too.

  6. dabears1911 says: Jan 20, 2013 9:32 PM

    where is johnson for this award? #80 buys kids all kinds of stuff from toys r us he gives back and never seen for this award

  7. ernst90 says: Jan 20, 2013 9:34 PM

    Everyone of these players are very deserving but being the Cowboys fan I am I would have to give my vote for Jason Witten. One hell of a TE probably top 5 ever at his position but always stays humble and tough as nails if I’m not mistaken he’s played in every game besides 1 his rookie year.

  8. billmead1976 says: Jan 20, 2013 11:05 PM

    Alex Smith deserves a nomination.

  9. brownsalwaysrebuilding says: Jan 20, 2013 11:37 PM

    Joe Thomas is the best player on his team every year and never says a word. Then when he’s off the field he is always out there in the community trying to give back.

  10. beardown2489 says: Jan 21, 2013 4:10 AM

    charles tillman deserves this

  11. discosucs2005 says: Jan 21, 2013 6:35 AM

    I’m sure these guys are all very deserving. Personally my vote is for Thomas because he’s a linemen. I always hope this award goes to the least popular player.

  12. cpo187 says: Jan 21, 2013 6:42 AM

    It’s not fair to have these guys in it. Their seasons were over 12 weeks ago so of course they got more facetime with the community they live in.

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