Derrick Henry Named Titan’s Nominee For Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award

Derrick Henry. Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titans All-Pro running back Derrick Henry has been named the club’s nominee for the 2022 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.

Widely considered one of the league’s most prestigious honors, the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide recognizes an NFL player for outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on the field. Each of the league’s 32 nominees were announced today (Dec. 6).

“It’s an honor for me,” Henry says. “This award, what it stands for, the morals and principles that Walter Payton stood for, I think that every athlete should try to strive for them each and every day. He did amazing things on the field, but off the field as well. We can just hope to be the man that he was one day. I’m very glad to represent this organization for the second time. It’s an honor to be nominated for this award. Hopefully I can continue to do great things and do the things that this award represents.”

Derrick Henry with the Boys & Girls Club of Middle Tennessee. Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans

As part of his commitment to helping his community, Henry founded the ‘Two All Foundation,’ which exists to level the playing field for today’s youth so that their future success is not limited by the circumstances of their upbringing, background, disability or influence. Henry is dedicated to being a resource that positively impacts Nashville and other communities by equipping young people to reach their full potential through instilling strong core values in their lives and providing support TWO ALL adolescents in need. The foundation lives at the heart of everything Henry does to give back to the Greater Nashville community and beyond.

“I am proud of the work our players do in the community and appreciate the opportunity to highlight that work,” says Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. “Derrick has a passion for making a difference for those who are in need and the young people in our community. His leadership on and off the field is a great example of what it means to be a professional football player.”

Derrick Henry. Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans

As a nominee, Henry will wear a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal through the end of the season in recognition of his accomplishments on and off the field. All 32 team winners will be highlighted as nominees and recognized for their important work during the weekend leading up to Super Bowl LVII. The 2022 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year will be announced during NFL Honors, a primetime awards special to air the Thursday (Feb. 9) before Super Bowl LVII, on NBC.

All 32 nominees will receive up to a $40,000 donation in their name to their charity of choice. The winner of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award will receive up to a $250,000 donation to the charity of his choice.

Steven Boero