Grady Jarrett Named Falcons’ Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Nominee

The Atlanta Falcons announced today that defensive tackle Grady Jarrett has been named the team’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, recognizing his extraordinary contributions on and off the field. This marks the second time Jarrett has received this honor, with his first nomination coming in 2018.

The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, presented by Nationwide, is regarded as one of the NFL’s most prestigious accolades. It honors players who demonstrate excellence in community service and leadership on the field. As the Falcons’ nominee, Jarrett will represent the team in the league-wide competition, where he has the chance to earn additional recognition for his charitable efforts.

A Legacy of Giving Back

Jarrett has been a cornerstone of the Atlanta community throughout his career. This year, his Grady Gives Foundation launched impactful initiatives, including:
• Anti-bullying efforts: Leading the “Big Men Don’t Bully” campaign to foster kindness and inclusivity.
• Scholarship donations: Awarding $75,000 in scholarships to students from underprivileged backgrounds.
• Fundraising success: Raising over $150,000 during his annual Grady Gives Weekend, which featured a TopGolf fundraiser, a free football camp for over 400 youth in Rockdale County, and his Big Man 7-on-7 high school tournament.

Beyond his foundation’s events, Jarrett made personal connections with children facing hardships. He visited Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Shepherd Center while collaborating with the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research. As Honorary Chair of Rally on the Runway, Jarrett helped raise over $700,000 for pediatric cancer research in 2024, bringing his total contributions with the foundation to more than $2 million.

A Lifelong Partner with Atlanta Mission

Since entering the NFL in 2015, Jarrett has been a consistent supporter of the Atlanta Mission. This year, he led the Falcons’ 404 Day initiatives, serving meals and engaging with families at My Sister’s House. He also hosted his eighth consecutive Thanksgiving dinner at The Shepherd’s Inn, providing meals for over 300 men experiencing homelessness. Additionally, Jarrett distributed 1,000 turkeys to families in need in his hometown of Rockdale County.

Leadership on the Field

A 10-year veteran with the Falcons, Jarrett is the heart and soul of Atlanta’s defense. Despite suffering a season-ending ACL injury in 2023, he worked tirelessly to return in 2024, earning his sixth designation as team captain. In Week 1, he set a franchise record for quarterback hits, surpassing John Abraham with 125 to date. This season, he has started all 12 games, contributing 38 tackles, 11 quarterback hits, six tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.

NFL Honors and Fan Involvement

As a nominee, Jarrett will wear a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year decal on his helmet for the remainder of the season. All 32 nominees will be celebrated during the week leading up to Super Bowl LIX, with the award winner announced at NFL Honors on February 6, 2024, airing nationally on FOX and NFL Network.

Fans can support Jarrett through Nationwide’s Charity Challenge, a social media contest running from December 5 to January 6, 2024. To vote, fans can use the hashtag #WPMOYChallenge followed by “Jarrett” on X/Twitter or vote at NFL.com/ManOfTheYear. The winner of the Charity Challenge will receive a $35,000 donation to their charity, with the runner-up and third-place finisher receiving $10,000 and $5,000, respectively.

Grady Jarrett’s relentless dedication to the community and his team exemplifies the spirit of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, making him a shining example of leadership on and off the field.