The Kansas City Chiefs have named G Brian Waters as the organization’s nominee for the 2007 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. Waters joins 31 other candidates, one from each NFL franchise, in consideration for this illustrious accolade. Chosen by an esteemed blue-ribbon panel, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will announce the recipient of this league-wide honor during his annual Super Bowl press conference. That gathering is slated to take place as part of Super Bowl XLII festivities on Friday, February 1, in Glendale, Arizona.

“What a humbling honor,” Waters said upon being informed of the news. “All of my accomplishments on the field would mean nothing if I couldn’t contribute to my community. For me, the gridiron serves a greater purpose.”

The Brian Waters 54 Foundation was created in 2005 to provide opportunities for underprivileged children and families from low-income areas. The work and focus of the foundation serves those in Brian’s hometown, Waxahachie, Texas and also those low-income individuals in the Greater Kansas City area. In just a short amount of time and with little fanfare, Brian Waters has impacted thousands of children and families in both communities. Each year, he personally donates significant funds, not to mention his personal time and effort.

In addition to a scholarship program and free football/basketball camps held in Texas, other Lone Star agencies he uplifts includes Waxahachie Pee Wee Football, Waxahachie Habitat for Humanity and Promise House. Locally, Waters has supported such important agencies as Special Olympics, First Downs for Down Syndrome, Willa Gill Center, Kansas City K.E.Y.E.S., and the Love Fund.

Brian has also been involved with a pair of important League-wide initiatives. He was featured on television ads throughout the 2007 NFL season as a spokesperson for the United Way. Furthermore, he serves as the Chiefs representative for “What Moves U.” This program is part of the NFL’s Play 60 strategy to help curb childhood obesity and prompt youth to have at least 60 minutes of activity a day. He’s also served as one of the team’s faces for the “Think Pink” program, bringing recognition and raising funds in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month every October.

An eight-year NFL veteran, Waters initial forte into the NFL came as a rookie-free agent TE with the Dallas Cowboys in 1999. Cut prior to the start of that season, Waters signed on the next year with the Chiefs, switching to the offensive line. The former North Texas standout became a starter for the Chiefs in 2001 and has remained a vital cog in the team’s offensive line since that point. During his time with the Red and Gold, he has appeared in 113 games making 99 starts. His blocking has helped a pair of Chiefs RBs (Priest Holmes: 2001-03 and Larry Johnson: 2005-06) as well as a signal-caller (Trent Green: 2003 & 05) to reach Pro Bowl status. A three-time Pro Bowl performer himself, Waters has become a team leader on and off the field. He also currently serves as the team’s NFLPA representative.

The prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year award is unique among NFL honors. It is the only NFL acknowledgment that recognizes a player for his community service activities as well as his excellence on the field. The Award has been given annually since 1970 and no franchise has garnered more honorees than the Chiefs. Members of the Red and Gold who have taken home the Gladiator Statue, which is given to the winner, include such current and future members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame as LB Willie Lanier (1972), QB Len Dawson (1973), LB Derrick Thomas (1993) and G Will Shields (2003).

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