Patrick Peterson named Cardinals 2015 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year

Cornerback Patrick Peterson has been named the Arizona Cardinals’ 2015 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. As the Cardinals’ winner, Peterson is one of 32 nominees eligible to win the overall “Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.”

The award recognizes a player’s contributions to the community off of the field as well as their excellence on the field. Peterson founded his “Foundation for Success” in 2013 with the purpose of providing resources and opportunities to disadvantaged youth so they may reach their full potential.

As part of his foundation, Peterson has launched libraries called “Patrick’s Corner” which provide access to books and a safe environment to read for at-risk students. The libraries go hand-in-hand with the “Pick Up a Book” initiative that Peterson launched in Phoenix to promote children’s literacy development.

In addition, Peterson also hosts a variety of events to benefit his foundation such as his annual “Show and Tell” car shows, “Celebrity Golf Challenge” events and the “Celebs and Steaks” fundraiser, and is very involved with the Cardinals’ team community events.

As a nominee, the NFL will donate $5,000 to Peterson’s “Foundation for Success.” Nationwide, the presenting sponsor, will also donate an additional $10,000 to the foundation.

The overall winner of the Man of the Year award will be named in February in San Francisco prior to Super Bowl 50. The winner will receive a $50,000 donation to the charity of their choice from the NFL Foundation and finalists will receive $10,000 donations.

To give fans the opportunity to support their team’s winner, Nationwide has also launched the first-ever Charity Challenge social media contest.

The nominee whose unique hashtag is used the most on any social media platform between now and Dec. 31 will be the winner of an additional $20,000 donation.

To vote for Peterson, Cardinals fans are invited to use the hashtag #PetersonWPMOYChallenge.