LA Rams Whitworth nominated for Walter Payton Man of the Year award

In LA Rams News: OT Andrew Whitworth nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award

The LA Rams have an opportunity to nominate one player each year to represent the team in the Walter Payton Man of the Year award competition. For 2020, the LA Rams have nominated veteran left tackle, Andrew Whitworth.  Whitworth is a 38-year-old offensive lineman who continues to play at a level difficult to achieve at a player’s prime.

Whitworth has been a Pro-Bowler on four separate occasions, and an All-Pro offensive tackle twice. He is a 15-year veteran, appearing in 223 career games and starting 219 of those games. Whitworth is only the12th NFL starter in the modern era of the NFL with victories over 32 teams. He completed that feat when the Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals by the score of 24-10.

Sweetness

The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is a prestigious annual award that is presented to a player in recognition of his “outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on it.” Waler Payton, a.k.a. ‘Sweetness’, left behind a football legacy of ‘running strong, embodying pride and perseverance, demonstrating ability along with grace and class.’

There are currently six active players who have won the award: New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees, Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jason Witten, Washington Football Team linebacker Thomas Davis, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt and Baltimore Ravens defensive end Calais Campbell

Big deal for Big Whit

You can check out Andrew Whitworth’s full write-up at the NFL.com website here.  But please indulge me to cite a specific sentence that says so much:

"‘Since joining the Rams in 2017, Andrew has been the ultimate community champion, assisting with various community efforts ranging from education to youth health to homelessness – Los Angeles’ most defining issue.- per NFL.com/honors/Man of the year writeup for the LA Rams nominee"

That pretty much sums up what Andrew Whitworth does off the field. He is so much more than just some guy who cuts a check. He gives of himself, often. In fact, you have to wonder sometimes how he fits it all into one season. And yet, he does. Rain or shine, snow or sleet, Andrew Whitworth is always approachable and willing to lend a hand to those in need.

Giving is a lifestyle, not a job

The late great Walter Payton was a lot like that. He was one of the most gifted athletes in the NFL of his day. And yet, he was always gracious. He was always a gentleman. He was always willing to give of himself to others. He made friends wherever he went on every NFL team and in the stands of all 32 stadiums.

Andrew Whitworth possesses those qualities. He is not just willing to share funds with his favorite charities. He shares his time with young people from his community. And he shares his experience and wisdom with his younger teammates on the LA Rams roster. Ask any younger offensive lineman, and they quickly mention Whitworth as someone who had taken them under his wing when they arrived on the team.

Whitworth is very deserving

Some NFL players participate in charities, but Andrew Whitworth truly cares about social causes. He is not just checking the box, but actively seeking ways to positively impact his community and the future with copious gifts of his time, money, and energy. Those characteristics exemplify the type of impact Walter Payton made, and are the reasons why Whitworth is an ideal nominee for this prestigious NFL award.

Per the NFL.com award announcement: ‘The 2020 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year will be announced during NFL Honors, which will air on CBS the week of Super Bowl LV. Each nominee will receive a $40,000 donation in their name to their chosen charity, while the winner will receive a $250,000 donation to the charity of their choice.‘

There are two achievements that would mean a great deal to long-time veteran Andrew Whitworth. The first is to win a Super Bowl in his career. The second is to win the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. I certainly hope that both come true.