NEW YORK (AP) — San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers, Baltimore center Matt Birk and Chicago cornerback Charles Tillman are finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.
The award will be presented Feb. 4 in Indianapolis, when The Associated Press announces the winners of its annual NFL honors, including Most Valuable Player.
The only league award that recognizes a player’s community service as well as his playing excellence, the Walter Payton winner will have a $20,000 donation made in his name to his favorite charity.
Rivers, Birk and Tillman were chosen from among the 32 team nominees, all of whom receive a $1,000 donation to the charity of their choice. The three finalists will receive an additional $5,000 donation in their name.
The selection panel includes NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, former Commissioner Paul Tagliabue and Connie Payton, widow of the Hall of Fame running back.
