Cardinals nominate Kelvin Beachum as Walter Payton Man of the Year

Offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum is the Arizona Cardinals’ nomination for the NFL Man of the Year award this season.

He will be given a $40,000 donation for the charity of his choice thanks to his contributions of outstanding community service. Beachum qualifies for the league Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year honor — that winner will receive an additional $250,000 gift to donate toward a charity.

“Kelvin is such an incredible representative of our team and our league and truly exemplifies what this award stands for,” Cardinals owner Michel Bidwill said in a statement.

“He provides veteran leadership and consistently strong play as the starting right tackle on the NFL’s most exciting offense. But throughout his 10-year career he’s been even more committed to making a difference away from the field. Whether it’s increasing educational opportunities, eliminating food insecurity, or addressing issues of social injustice, Kelvin is a passionate and dedicated advocate and our communities are better for his efforts.”

A shining example of leadership on the field and in the community.

Incredibly well-deserved, @KelvinBeachumJr. 👏#WPMOYChallenge + Beachum pic.twitter.com/eRTgJfpPFI

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 7, 2021

Beachum, in his second year with Arizona, focuses many of his efforts in fighting against inequality by focusing on necessities: food, water and education.

He has been an advocate for thinning the digital divide and has donated laptops and money for internet access for students in need, both in Arizona and in his home state of Texas. He donated $50,000 to create new internet access points in the Ector County Independent School District in Texas last October, and also in 2020 donated $15,000 to 34 different projects in Arizona that supported STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) initiatives.

The 10-year NFL veteran created “Kelvin Konnects” in 2016 to promote STEAM access for minority students.

Beachum throughout his career with Arizona, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville and the New York Jets has worked with a handful of food banks, again focusing on a necessity that he believes is a human right. Improving water access in underserved communities has also been a passion of his.

2021 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award nominees

Arizona Cardinals: Kelvin Beachum
Atlanta Falcons: Mike Davis
Baltimore Ravens: Bradley Bozeman
Buffalo Bills: Harrison Phillips
Carolina Panthers: D.J. Moore
Chicago Bears: Jimmy Graham
Cincinnati Bengals: Sam Hubbard
Cleveland Browns: Denzel Ward
Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott
Denver Broncos: Justin Simmons
Detroit Lions: Jason Cabinda
Green Bay Packers: Aaron Jones
Houston Texans: Justin Reid
Indianapolis Colts: Kenny Moore II
Jacksonville Jaguars: Myles Jack
Kanas City Chiefs: Tyrann Mathieu
Las Vegas Raiders: Darren Waller
Los Angeles Chargers: Corey Linsley
Los Angeles Rams: Andrew Whitworth
Miami Dolphins: Jerome Baker
Minnesota Vikings: Anthony Barr
New England Patriots: Lawrence Guy
New Orleans Saints: Cameron Jordan
New York Giants: Logan Ryan
New York Jets: Quinnen Williams
Philadelphia Eagles: Jason Kelce
Pittsburgh Steelers: Cameron Heyward
San Francisco 49ers: Arik Armstead
Seattle Seahawks: Tyler Lockett
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Evans
Tennessee Titans: Derrick Henry
Washington Football Team: Jonathan Allen

Follow @AZSports