“Each time I’m out in the community, I think back on the impact Steven Jackson had on me at a Rams community event growing up,” said Williams. “Being able to make a positive impact on the youth across Los Angeles and seeing the smiles on people’s faces, means everything to me. This award is special because my commitment to the community is never about recognition but about being the inspiration to show young people they can dream big and achieve their goals. The opportunities I’ve been given through being a professional football player allow me to perform on the field but have also given me the platform to pursue what I am most passionate about, giving back to the community. It’s an honor to be the Rams’ club winner for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award alongside players around the league dedicated to their communities.”
“Kyren is a special football player, but more importantly, he’s a special human who brings an authentic passion for community service – a commitment that he demonstrates weekly through his consistent presence in Los Angeles schools and with non-profits.” said Rams EVP of Community Impact & Engagement Molly Higgins. “He approaches the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others with the same infectious enthusiasm that he brings to the game of football. We are incredibly grateful for his heart and leadership both on and off the field as he lives out his purpose of serving the community and inspiring Angelenos.”
All 32 club winners will be recognized for their achievements during the week leading up to Super Bowl LX in the Bay Area. The national winner of the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide will be announced during NFL Honors, a primetime awards special airing on Thursday, Feb. 5.
Each of this year’s club winners supports a range of causes and initiatives off the field, including uplifting underserved communities, empowering young people to lead healthy lifestyles and many other notable causes. The charitable beneficiary of each team’s club winner will receive $40,000, and the nonprofit chosen by the overall national winner will receive $250,000. All funds are donations courtesy of the NFL Foundation and the Nationwide Foundation.
Fans are once again encouraged to participate in Nationwide’s annual Charity Challenge, a social media and online contest that allows fans to show support for their favorite Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year club winner. Fans can vote for Kyren on X/Twitter by posting #WPMOYChallenge along with his full name or X handle (i.e., Kyren Williams or @kyrenwilliams23) or by voting directly on NFL.com/ManOfTheYear.The charitable beneficiary of the player who receives the most collective hashtag mentions and online votes will win an additional $35,000 donation from Nationwide, with the nonprofit partners of the runner-up and third-place finishers receiving $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. Charity Challenge voting takes place from December 4 through January 5, 2026.
Beginning Week 14 and continuing through the end of the season, each of this year’s club winners, including Williams, will wear a special Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal in recognition of their accomplishments on and off the field.
For more information about the award, please visit NFL.com/ManOfTheYear.