Caped figure on NFL jersey illustrates the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year trophy. Only three recipients are still active in the league.
DE Calais Campbell (2019), QB Russell Wilson (2020), and QB Dak Prescott (2022) are actively playing for the Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, and Dallas Cowboys.
The award was first handed out in 1970 to Johnny Unitas. At that time, he was in his 15th season with the Baltimore Colts. The Quarterback played for the Colts from 1956 to 1972.
It was then called the NFL Man of the Year Award until 1999.
The name was then changed to the present name. It carried Walter Payton’s name, the 1977 NFL Man of the Year Award winner.
The Running Back played for the Chicago Bears from 1975 to 1987. He was also selected for the Pro Bowl and won the NFL MVP, NFL Offensive Player of the Year, the year he won the prize.
The nine-time Pro Bowler won the Super Bowl XX. He also received the 1985 Bert Bell Award.
Walter Payton Patch On NFL Jersey Meaning
Walter Payton Man of the Year jersey patch can be worn by the winners for the rest of their professional playing careers. 53 players have won it.
The award, which was first handed out in 1970, has become an annual tradition to applaud the off-field excellence done by NFL sportspersons.
The league recognizes player’s philanthropic works and impact on the community. The winner is revealed and honored in the annual NFL Honors Night.
Walter Payton Man of the Year patch decal was created by Daniel Bennett Schwartz in 1969. The brown-caped footballer has since become the symbol for the title.
The winners sport it proudly on the field and carry it throughout their careers.
Similarly, when the teams reveal their final nominations, each nominee is provided a helmet decal. It illustrates the trophy. The helmet patch is worn for the entire season.
How is the winner chosen?
Every franchise nominates a candidate. The winner is rewarded with a $250K donation in his name in his choice of charity, while the nominees receive $50K.
The winner selection committee includes the following:
- NFL Commissioner
- Last year’s winner
- A judges panel
Likewise, selected ex-NFL players are also brought in to cast their votes.
The highest number to get the prize from a single franchise is five. Kansas City Chiefs and Chicago Bears are joint first.
Recently, the winners have been publicly showered with appreciation in the Super Bowl pre-game show. They were acknowledged before “America the Beautiful” and “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Who Wears The Walter Payton Patch?
Walter Payton patch on NFL jersey is worn by the recipient of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. QB John Unitas was its first recipient in 1970.
As mentioned earlier, the winner of the title is provided to the athlete in response to his humanitarian works and efforts outside the playing field, which help create a wave of positive impact in the community.
What does Dak Prescott has on have on his jersey?
Patch on Dak Prescott jersey is a model football player with a cape resembling a superhero’s appearance. He can carry it on his uniform for the rest of his playing career.
The Cowboys signal-caller is the latest player to win the trophy, having won it in 2022. He is the fourth Cowboys player to get the recognition.
The two-time Pro Bowler and the 2016 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year gives back to the community with his Faith Fight Finish Foundation (FFF). It is dedicated to empowering youths, families, and communities to tackle hard times.
The foundation invests in colon cancer research and advocates mental health, suicide prevention, and easy access to law. The QB has voiced his opinion on critical matters like the George Floyd case through this organization.
He actively spoke about racism and racial profiling. His one million donation was directed towards education, training, and advocacy.
The $250K award money received by Prescott was donated to FFF. The remaining 31 nominees also got a $50K donation in their name to their selected charities.
Here is a list of all the football players who got the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.
| Year | Recipient |
| 1970 | Johny Unitas |
| 1971 | John Hadi |
| 1972 | Willie Lanier |
| 1973 | Len Dawson |
| 1974 | George Blanda |
| 1975 | Ken Anderson |
| 1976 | Franco Harris |
| 1977 | Walter Payton |
| 1978 | Roger Staubach |
| 1979 | Joe Greene |
| 1980 | Harold Carmichael |
| 1981 | Lynn Swann |
| 1982 | Joe Theismann |
| 1983 | Rolf Benirschke |
| 1984 | Marty Lyons |
| 1985 | Dwight Stephenson |
| 1986 | Reggie Williams |
| 1987 | Dave Duerson |
| 1988 | Steve Largent |
| 1989 | Warren Moon |
| 1990 | Mike Singletary |
| 1991 | Anthony Munoz |
| 1992 | John Elway |
| 1993 | Derrick Thomas |
| 1994 | Junior Seau |
| 1995 | Boomer Esiason |
| 1996 | Darrell Green |
| 1997 | Troy Aikman |
| 1998 | Dan Marino |
| 1999 | Cris Carter |
| 2000 | Derrick Brooks and Jim Flanigan |
| 2001 | Jerome Bettis |
| 2002 | Troy Vincent |
| 2003 | Will Shields |
| 2004 | Warrick Dunn |
| 2005 | Peyton Manning |
| 2006 | Drew Brees and LaDainian Tomlinson |
| 2007 | Jason Taylor |
| 2008 | Kurt Warner |
| 2009 | Brian Waters |
| 2010 | Madieu Williams |
| 2011 | Matt Birk |
| 2012 | Jason Witten |
| 2013 | Charles Tillman |
| 2014 | Thomas Davis Sr. |
| 2015 | Anquan Boldin |
| 2016 | Larry Fitzgerald and Eli Manning |
| 2017 | J. J. Watt |
| 2018 | Chris Long |
| 2019 | Calais Campbell |
| 2020 | Russell Wilson |
| 2021 | Andrew Whitworth |
| 2022 | Dak Prescott |
Why Are The NFL Coaches Wearing Brown Sweatshirts?
Football coaches wear brown to pay homage to military veterans and their families, which is a part of the 2023 Salute to Service initiative.
The Salute to Service is in the 12th year of its affiliation with the league. The NFL and USAA host a special award ceremony where they reward a person who has actively dedicated their time and resources to support the veterans and their community.
The initiative has raised $66 million for the very cause since 2011. The associated organization behind the drive are the Pat Tillman Foundation, United Service Organization, Bob Woodruff Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, and Tragedy Program for Survivors.
Last year, the award was given to Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera.
Why are all the NFL coaches wearing brown?
NFL coaches wearing brown resemble their unity in standing together for a noble cause. The brown hoodies worn by coaching personnel symbolize a combined effort of the teams to give well-deserved recognition, love, and respect to the men and women in uniform.
The NFL dedicated the month of November every year to the US Army veterans. Military Appreciation Month coincides with Veterans Day, which falls on November 11.
Through weeks 9 to 11, the league will honor the veterans and conduct various events.
Head coaches, defensive and offensive coordinators, and other personnel were seen in brown hoodies with the team logo on the front and the name on the back.
It is not the only merchandise made for the Salute to Service month. The gear released for the event includes jerseys, t-shirts, hats, and jackets available on Fanatics and NFL Shop.