The National Football League announced on Sunday that Kansas City Chiefs four-time Pro Bowl G Brian Waters is one of three finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. Waters is joined by Washington LB London Fletcher and Cleveland WR Mike Furrey in consideration for this award. The winner of this honor will be announced live on CBS before the kickoff of Super Bowl XLIV on February 7th. Waters was previously named a finalist for the award in 2007.

“Brian’s track record of community service and his career-long commitment to helping others off the field make him a very deserving candidate for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award,” General Manager Scott Pioli said. “As an organization, we take great pride in the community outreach efforts of all members of the Chiefs family, and Brian’s generosity has helped improve the lives of thousands of young people and their families in Kansas City.”

“It’s an honor to serve the NFL and the Chiefs by assisting those both in Kansas City and my home state of Texas,” noted Waters. “In reality, what I’ve been able to give back to these communities represents only a small percentage of what they have done for me and my family. My goal is to not only do my part, but also to encourage others to do the same in their communities.”

Waters’ heart and passion led him to establish the Brian Waters 54 Foundation in 2004. Since that time tens of thousands children and families in the Greater Kansas City area and in Texas have been impacted. To date, his foundation has awarded 82 college scholarships to low-income students. Meanwhile, thousands of children have benefited from his back-to-school program that provides backpacks full of school supplies, as well as haircuts, uniforms, shoes, immunizations and dental care. In all, the foundation works closely throughout the year with more than 20 different agencies. Waters has also served as a spokesperson for numerous NFL and Kansas City Chiefs outreach campaigns.  

The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, named for the legendary Chicago Bears running back, is unique among league honors. It is the only league award that recognizes a player’s off-the-field community service as well as his playing excellence. While the accolade has been bestowed annually since ‘70, no franchise has garnered more honorees than the Chiefs. Former Kansas City players who have taken home the Gladiator Statue which is given to the winner include three members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame: LB Willie Lanier (1972), QB Len Dawson (1973) and LB Derrick Thomas (1993), as well as 12-time Pro Bowl selection G Will Shields (2003).