The only NFL award that combines on-field excellence with off-field service has been given to Cowboys tight end Jason Witten.
The NFL has confirmed that Witten is the winner of its Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, given annually to an NFL player who exemplifies everything it means to be a great NFL player both on and off the field.
Witten works with victims of domestic violence, and his foundation has launched a “Coaching Boys Into Men” initiative designed to educate youth football players about domestic violence.
On the field, Witten is coming off an excellent season in which he had 110 catches for 1,039 yards.