Walter Payton Award

Named in honor of the late NFL legend and humanitarian, the Walter Payton Award recognizes college football players for their exceptional performance on the field, as well as their leadership, integrity, and commitment to community service off the field.

Established in 1987, the award is presented annually by the National Football Foundation (NFF) to the brightest stars of college football who embody Payton’s spirit of excellence, humility, and generosity.

Walter Payton played 13 seasons for the Chicago Bears and retired as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, a record he held for 18 years. But it was his character off the field that made him an even greater hero in the eyes of those who knew him.

Payton was a tireless advocate for the underprivileged, devoting countless time and resources to various charities and organizations aimed at improving the lives of children and families in need. His selflessness and compassion touched countless lives and helped make him one of the most beloved figures in NFL history.

The Walter Payton Award seeks to honor this legacy by recognizing college players who continue to uphold these same values of excellence, service, and integrity.

Each year, a selection committee made up of college football media members, coaches, and former players narrows the field of candidates down to just three finalists. These finalists are then invited to attend the annual NFF Awards Dinner in New York City, where the winner is announced.

The criteria for selecting the award winner include on-field performance, academic achievement, community service, and character. This holistic approach ensures that the award goes to a true ‘student-athlete’ who excels in all facets of his life, not just on the field.

Many of the award’s past winners have gone on to successful careers in the NFL, including notable players such as Steve McNair, Peyton Manning, and Brian Westbrook. But even those players who don’t make it to the professional ranks continue to make a positive impact in their communities, carrying on Walter Payton’s legacy of service and kindness.

In addition to the Walter Payton Award, the NFF also presents several other awards recognizing excellence in college football, including the William V. Campbell Trophy (aka the “academic Heisman”), the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards, and the NFF Chapter Scholar-Athlete Awards.

These awards serve as a reminder that college football is about more than just winning games; it’s about developing young men who will go on to make a positive impact on society, both on the field and off.

As we continue to look to our sports heroes for guidance and inspiration, it’s heartening to know that there are still players out there who embody the best of payton” title=”Gary Payton”>payton” title=”How Tall is Gary Payton”>what the game has to offer. And as we celebrate the legacy of Walter Payton, we can take comfort in knowing that his spirit of excellence, service, and character lives on through the recipients of the award that bears his name.