JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Arik Armstead turned the second Jaguars participant to win the Walter Payton Man of the Yr award on the NFL Honors occasion on Thursday evening, the headliner in a troublesome night of accolades for Jacksonville gamers.
Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. completed fourth in balloting for Offensive Rookie of the Yr and former working again Fred Taylor wasn’t elected to the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame. The Jaguars have been even on the receiving finish of a verbal jab by presenter Nikki Glaser.
However Armstead’s win in one of many evening’s most outstanding classes introduced some satisfaction for Jaguars followers.
The award is given yearly to the participant who shows excellence on and off the sphere. Armstead, who signed with the Jaguars in free company final 12 months, is the primary Jacksonville participant since Calais Campbell to win the coveted award. Campbell received it in 2019.
“Receiving the Walter Payton Man of the Yr Award is an unbelievable honor — one which goes past soccer. This award represents the facility of service, the accountability to uplift others, and the influence we are able to create by way of schooling,” Armstead stated. “By means of the Armstead Tutorial Undertaking, my mission has at all times been to supply college students with the sources they should succeed. This recognition is a testomony to that work, however there’s nonetheless a lot extra to do. I’m dedicated to utilizing my platform to create actual change — as a result of the work doesn’t cease right here.”
Armstead had been a five-time nominee for the Man of the Yr Award and has contributed greater than $2 million to charitable causes throughout his profession. The award comes with a $265,000 donation to a charity of Armstead’s alternative.
Armstead stated that he wasn’t glad along with his underwhelming first 12 months on the sphere with Jacksonville, however his contributions off of it could’t be undersold. Armstead and his spouse, Mindy, began the Armstead Tutorial Undertaking in 2019. That group “supplies youth with constructive areas, instruments, and tutorial help to unlock their potential and obtain their targets.”
It wasn’t unusual for Armstead to look all through Jacksonville elementary faculties final season to learn to younger college students.
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