Trey Burton nominated for NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year

Trey Burton has been nominated for the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

The NFL Man of the Year award always hits home for Chicago Bears’ fans because it carries the name of a Chicago legend, Walter Payton.

Every year, each team nominates one of its own for the opportunity to win the Man of the Year honor, the last Bear to win that honor was Charles Tillman back in 2013.

Could a Chicago Bears be given the title of Man of the Year once again?

Jarrett Payton made the announcement (see below):

Burton is a deserving nominee. He is donating money all season long to the International Justice Mission ($1000 per catch, $2500 per touchdown) which is dedicated to eliminate human trafficking and the slave trade.

Burton didn’t know he had been nominated and was very humbled to be nominated. His quote from his press release:

"It’s an incredible and humbling honor to be nominated for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.I’m so thankful for everyone who has supported me in my career, most importantly my wife, family, teammates, coaches and the Bears organization. To even be mentioned in the same breath as Walter Payton is truly special and I hope to continue following in his footsteps to make a lasting impact on our community."

He’s also been very active in the Chicago community. He frequently visits schools and works with children on a regular basis.

The NFL Man of the Year award was renamed the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 1999 after the hall of fame running back succumbed to liver disease. Former Bear Jim Flannigan won it in 2000, the first time the award held Payton’s name.

Tillman is the only other Bear to win the award since it was renamed after Sweetness. Winners prior to that include Mike Singletary (1990), Dave Duerson (1987) and Walter Payton himself (1977).

The winner will be announced in Atlanta just prior to the Super Bowl.