The Kansas City Chiefs have announced that G Brian Waters is the team’s nominee for the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. Waters is joined by candidates from each NFL team in consideration for this illustrious accolade. The winner will be announced by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during Super Bowl XLIV pregame ceremonies on Sunday, February 1st in South Florida.

In a short amount of time and with little fanfare, Waters has impacted tens of thousands of children and families. His heart and passion inspired him to establish The Brian Waters 54 Foundation. Created in 2004, the foundation’s mission is to give back and impact communities while making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. The work and focus of the foundation serves those in Waters hometown, Waxahachie, Texas and has expanded to include the Greater Kansas City area, Dallas and Sulphur Springs, TX.

“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.”

Brian and his wife, Yolanda, run all foundation activities and have no paid staff. Together, they work closely throughout the year with more than 20 different agencies including: Fellowship of Christian Athletes, First Downs for Down Syndrome, God’s Church, Habitat for Humanity, Love Fund, Navarro Jr. College, Project Safe Place, Promise House, Salvation Army, Special Olympics, Third and Long Foundation, Waxahachie Educational Foundation, Waxahachie YMCA, Waxahachie Pee Wee Football, United Believers Church, etc. In addition, he has served as spokesperson for numerous NFL and Chiefs outreach campaigns.

A 10-year NFL veteran, 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, Waters has appeared in 146 games making 132 starts. In his tenure with the Red and Gold, Waters’ blocking paved the way for a quartet of Chiefs offensive backs to achieve Pro Bowl status. A four-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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