Sports
Greater Orlando Sports Commission’s CEO Jason Siegel To Receive CFHLA’S Highest Honor
Sports
NFL HONORS: Arik Armstead Wins 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, Making History for Jacksonville Jaguars
NEW ORLEANS, La. (FNN SPORTS) — Arik Armstead, defensive lineman for the Jacksonville Jaguars, has been named the 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, the league’s highest honor recognizing players for excellence on the field and their dedication to community service. The announcement was made during NFL Honors presented by Invisalign, which aired nationally on FOX and NFL Network.
“Arik’s leadership, dedication to his team, and commitment to his community truly embody Walter Payton’s enduring legacy of excellence on the field and compassion off it,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “Since joining the league 10 years ago, Arik has made it his mission to empower youth by providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive.”
Nationwide, the award’s presenting sponsor, praised Armstead’s philanthropic efforts. “Nationwide is honored to join the NFL community in congratulating Arik Armstead,” said Ramon Jones, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Nationwide. “As a business that is committed to serving and strengthening our communities, we’re proud to support Arik’s extraordinary efforts that have empowered and uplifted countless children and families.”
Photo by Florida National News / Michael Brodsky
A Legacy of Leadership On and Off the Field
Armstead, who signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a free agent in 2024, has been a force in the NFL for over a decade. Originally drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round, he has played in more than 130 games, amassing 35.5 sacks and over 300 tackles while making appearances in Super Bowls LIV and LVIII.
Off the field, Armstead has been a beacon of change in Jacksonville, Sacramento, and the Bay Area. A five-time Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee, he has earned accolades such as the Perry/Yonamine Unity Award, the CBS Bay Area Jefferson Award, and the Boost Collaborative Excellence in Leadership Award.
Through his Armstead Academic Project (AAP), he has helped raise and personally donated over $2 million to provide educational resources to underserved youth. In 2023, he was honored with a key to the City of Sacramento for his contributions.
Expanding Impact in Jacksonville
Since arriving in Jacksonville, Armstead has expanded his community efforts, including a $50,000 donation to the Department of Sound to launch the “Sound Mind” production workshop series, which gives local youth exposure to STEM education. He and his wife, Mindy, also donated $100,000 to Teach for America and Square Root Academy to boost literacy and introduce students to AI technology.
Additionally, Armstead has been involved in EverBank’s Touchdowns for Tomorrow program, emphasizing financial literacy for youth in Duval County Public Schools, and supports Blessings in a Backpack, a nonprofit that provides meals for children facing food insecurity.
Photo by Florida National News / Michael Brodsky
What’s Next for Arik Armstead?
As part of his Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year recognition, Armstead will receive a $265,000 donation to the charity of his choice, courtesy of the NFL Foundation and Nationwide Foundation.
Prior to Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome on Sunday, Feb. 9, all 32 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominees will be honored on the field for their dedication to the game and their communities.
To learn more about this year’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominees, visit: www.nfl.com/honors/man-of-the-year.
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J Willie David, III and Mike Brodsky
Florida National News and FNN News Network
sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
Sports
Rap Megastar Kendrick Lamar, Creator of the Smash Hit “Not Like Us,” Brings His Storytelling Passion to the Super Bowl Halftime Show
Lamar, who recently won Song and Record of the Year at the Grammys for his explosive diss track “Not Like Us,” is bringing hip-hop back to the Super Bowl in a historic way. While he previously performed as a guest artist in Super Bowl 56 alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, and Eminem, this year marks his debut as the first solo hip-hop artist to headline the show.
“This is me. This is Kendrick Lamar, 37 years old, and I still feel like I’m elevating, I’m still on a journey,” Lamar said.
Lamar’s halftime show is expected to be an electrifying showcase of hip-hop’s power, cultural significance, and artistic depth. He emphasized that his performance will center on storytelling, a theme that has defined his career and made his music resonate worldwide.
HIP-HOP TAKES CENTER STAGE AT SUPER BOWL 59
Lamar’s headlining performance at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans marks another major moment for hip-hop on one of the world’s biggest stages. As a genre that has shaped global music and pop culture, Lamar’s presence reinforces its continued dominance in entertainment.
“It reminds me of the essence and the core response of rap and hip-hop and how far it can go,” Lamar shared. “It puts the culture at the forefront, where it needs to be and not minimized to just a catchy song or verse. This is a true art form.”
Joining Lamar onstage is R&B star SZA, but additional details remain under wraps. The halftime show traditionally keeps surprises under lock and key, and fans will have to tune in to see what’s in store.
WHO ELSE IS PERFORMING AT SUPER BOWL 59?
The pregame performances will feature a strong Louisiana influence, paying tribute to the host city’s rich musical heritage.
- Jon Batiste will perform the national anthem
- Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle will perform “America the Beautiful”
- Ledisi will deliver a moving rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
In addition, the national anthem and “America the Beautiful” will be performed in American Sign Language (ASL) by actor Stephanie Nogueras, while Otis Jones IV will sign “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The halftime show ASL performance will be led by Matt Maxey.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR KENDRICK LAMAR?
With a Grammy-winning year, a Super Bowl 59 halftime performance, and hip-hop’s global influence stronger than ever, what’s next for Kendrick Lamar? While he remains tight-lipped about upcoming projects, his impact on music, culture, and entertainment is undeniable. Fans eagerly await his next move—whether it’s new music, a tour, or another creative endeavor.
Super Bowl 59 will see the Kansas City Chiefs face the Philadelphia Eagles in a highly anticipated championship rematch. The game kicks off Sunday at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
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