Chiefs news: Patrick Mahomes nominated as Walter Payton Man of Year

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 20: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs on the field after a win over the Los Angles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 20: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs on the field after a win over the Los Angles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been nominated by the Kansas City Chiefs to be the Walter Payton Man of the Year for 2022.

Every year, the National Football League hands out the Walter Payton Man of the Year award to one player who exemplifies a generous impact in the greater community—such as civic engagement, strong character, and philanthropic endeavors. Each team is allowed to nominate one player from their roster who then competes with 31 others for the honor of receiving the award at the NFL Honors ceremony later this winter.

The Kansas City Chiefs have nominated star quarterback Patrick Mahomes for his “excellence on and off the field.” Just for being nominated, Mahomes will receive $40K to give to the charity of his choice. If he takes home the bigger award, that amount will be $250K instead.

Mahomes has his own foundation called 15 & The Mahomies which provides grants to non-profit organizations working with underprivileged youth. This year, they have provided $1.9 million in grant money but Mahomes has also been on the ground himself with his efforts to serve back in the community that has embraced him and his family.

The truth is that the list of off-the-field engagements and gifts is quite extensive and it’s difficult to list them all. But Mahomes and his foundation have been behind everything from voter registration efforts to dog rescue initiatives. Underserved youth have enjoyed Chiefs games on his dime, and they’ve also seen their reading scores rise with his literacy efforts. Parks have been improved. College scholarships have been awarded. Families have been fed. Art education programs have been saved.

You can see the full list of nominees for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award here:

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