Earlier today, the NFL revealed the 32 nominees for the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award and defensive tackle Justin Jones received the honor from the Chicago Bears.
“The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award is the league’s most prestigious honor given annually to the player who best represents the greatness and compassion of Walter Payton on and off the field,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell via the League’s press release. “These 32 outstanding men are making a valuable difference in their communities every day and we are proud to celebrate their special gifts and humanitarianism.”
Jones is in his second season in Chicago, and while he’s started every game in his Bears career, he’s made an impact off the field as well.
During the season, he’s a regular attendee of Youth Guidance’s “Becoming A Man” program, which is a counseling program that helps young men in 7-12th grade to “learn, internalize and practice social cognitive skills, make responsible decisions for their future and become positive members of their school and community.”
Jones is also involved in the Bears Care Back-to-School Fair, he financially helped a single mother and her family during the holidays, and he lends his support to the Bears Care Galas.
“This award probably means more to this club than any other club in the National Football League,” Bears general manager Ryan Poles said via the team’s site. “For what Walter Payton stood for as a Chicago Bear, we’re looking for guys that have those same characteristics in how they’re changing the community, especially here in Chicago.
“Justin Jones is a guy that has been out in the community a lot. From supporting women’s flag football to being a mentor to young men in the city of Chicago, he’s done a fantastic job of making an impact in this city.”
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