The former Vol is recognized for his work through the Eric Berry Foundation.Dec. 2, 2015
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — VFL and Tennessee football legend Eric Berry has been nominated for the 2015 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, the NFL announced Wednesday. Berry is one of 32 players honored and will represent his Kansas City Chiefs on the ballot.
The 32 nominees represent the best of the NFL’s commitment to philanthropy and community impact. The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award recognizes a player for his excellence both on and off the field. Three of the nominees will be selected as finalists for the award — named for Hall of Fame Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton, who died in 1999. The three finalists will be announced in January 2016 with the winner being announced during the fifth annual NFL Honors awards show on the night before Super Bowl 50.
Berry’s nomination is a nod to the work of the Eric Berry Foundation which has engaged in community development in both Kansas City and his native Fairburn, Georgia. According to Berry’s official website, the Eric Berry Foundation aims to “provide beneficial opportunities and a safe environment for children to participate in team sports and leadership development programs in order to encourage strength of body, mind, and spirit.” The foundation has completed several major projects around Kansas City and Fairburn over the last few years, including the installation of field turf at Duncan Park in Fairburn, an Eric Berry Fun Day, a backpacks giveaway, and several youth football camps. More information on the Eric Berry Foundation can be found here.
Cancer care became an added emphasis for Berry following his diagnosis of lymphoma late in the 2014 season. The three-time Pro Bowl selection had over $100,000 donated in his name to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and has been a frequent visitor of encouragement and hope for children suffering from cancer.
Currently, the Eric Berry Foundation is sponsoring Stock The Shoppe — a toy drive benefiting Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.
Each of the 32 nominees for the NFL Man of the Year award receives a $5,000 donation to the charity of their choice. The two runner-ups will receive an additional $6,000 donation and the winner will receive an additional $50,000 donation.
Nationwide, the presenting sponsor of the award, will execute a Charity Challenge. Team nominees will each have a unique hashtag and fans will be encouraged to tweet using those player hashtags. The player hashtag that generates the most mentions will win a $20,000 donation to the charity of his choice from Nationwide.
Former Vols to win the NFL Man of the Year award include Peyton Manning (2005) and Jason Witten (2012).