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.

________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III and Mike Brodsky
Florida National News and FNN News Network
sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

NEW ORLEANS, La. (FNN SPORTS) — The 2024 NFL Honors, presented by Invisalign, celebrated the league’s best with a night full of recognition, standout performances, and historic achievements. The Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen took home AP Most Valuable Player and the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, solidifying his dominance this season.

True Black culture shined through the night, with standout players making history:

• Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles) secured AP Offensive Player of the Year and the Jim Brown Award, recognizing his elite rushing performance.
• Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders) won AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, cementing his status as one of the league’s rising stars.
• Jared Verse (Los Angeles Rams) took home AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, proving his defensive prowess.
• Pat Surtain II (Denver Broncos) was honored as AP Defensive Player of the Year, highlighting his impact in shutting down top receivers.
• Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) earned AP Comeback Player of the Year, making a triumphant return after injury.

In coaching, Kevin O’Connell (Minnesota Vikings) won AP Coach of the Year, while Ben Johnson (Detroit Lions) was named AP Assistant Coach of the Year for his innovative offensive strategies.

The night also honored community service and legacy awards, with Arik Armstead (Jacksonville Jaguars) earning Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year for his off-field contributions and George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers) receiving the Salute to Service Award.

The Next Gen Stats Moment of the Year went to Jayden Daniels for his game-changing play, further cementing his breakout season.

The 2024 NFL Honors, an NFL Network production in association with Rock Garden Media, showcased the league’s best talent, blending athletic excellence with cultural impact.