SEATTLE — The Seattle Seahawks have chosen Bobby Wagner as their nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
The announcement was made early Thursday morning. The team cited Wagner’s outstanding community service activities off the field and excellence on the field for his nomination.
Each of the league’s 32 nominees were announced Thursday.
“This means a lot,” said Wagner. “I’ve been fortunate to see so many guys around me inspire me do amazing things off the field and do more than just play. I’m thankful to be in the position to make a small difference in our community.”
Wagner, who’s been with the team for eight years, is a five-time Pro Bowl selection, four-time NFL First Team All-Pro and was a member of the Seahawks' Super Bowl XLVIII winning team.
A news release from the Seahawks described his community service.
“He has led numerous events to support important causes, including "Walk with Wagner" for stroke awareness in the Seattle community, as well as "Bwagz Sees You," where he delivered supplies to nine homeless encampment sites throughout the city and purchased nine homes for these sites.
"Each year he hosts numerous holiday shopping events around Thanksgiving and Christmas to support those in need with groceries or Christmas presents.
"Beyond the Seattle community, Wagner has partnered with nonprofit Generosity Feeds and MOD Pizza to pack meals for 10,000 children in his hometown of Ontario, California, and last year hosted a bowling event for 54 youth from the Orlando community while he was in town for the Pro Bowl.
"He has been a frequent speaker to youth and coaching organizations, including the Man Up Conference and Coaching Boys into Men, where he spoke about overcoming adversity and becoming an NFL player.
"Wagner was recently named 2019 NFLPA Week 13 “Community MVP” for quietly packing Thanksgiving meals at a local grocery store and helping deliver them to homeless families in Seattle, while also spontaneously picking up the tab for all the shoppers on site for an hour.”
Wagner will wear a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal through the end of the season as a nominee.
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