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Jacksonville Jaguars DL Arik Armstead named 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year
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- Jacksonville Jaguars DL Arik Armstead named 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Arik Armstead was named the 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year during the NFL Honors Award program in New Orleans , recognizing players who have exhibited excellence on the field and whose passion to impact lives extends beyond the game.
Armstead is the second Jaguars player in franchise history to go home with the award, joining DL Calais Campbell , who won it in 2019. All 32 teams nominate one player each year for the award.
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Each nominee receives up to a $55,000 donation and the winner receives a $265,000 donation to the charity of his choice.
ARIK ARMSTEAD: Position change wasn't my idea; 2025 will be different
"Receiving the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is an incredible honor — one that goes beyond football. This award represents the power of service, the responsibility to uplift others, and the impact we can create through education," said Armstead via a statement released by the team Thursday night.
"Through the Armstead Academic Project, my mission has always been to provide students with the resources they need to succeed. This recognition is a testament to that work, but there's still so much more to do. I'm committed to using my platform to create real change — because the work doesn't stop here."
Feb 6, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Arik Armstead and Mindy Harwood on the red carpet before Super Bowl LIX NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Armstead, 31, joined the Jaguars in March last year after being released by the San Francisco 49ers after nine years with the club. He signed a three-year, $43.5 million deal with the team.
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In his career, Armstead has appeared in more than 125 games, including two Super Bowls, and as a starter in more than 95 of them. Armstead has accounted for 34.5 sacks and 185 tackles during his 10-year career.
Away from the gridiron, Armstead has already been active in the Jacksonville community. He's participated in multiple programs including the EverBank Touchdowns for Tomorrow program, which highlights the importance of financial literacy, demonstrated on the field through football drills.
"Armstead joined EverBank staff and hundreds of kids from Duval County Public Schools to emphasize the importance of financial education at a young age and to ensure they are setting themselves up for success in the future," the Jaguars said in a statement.
Armstead also volunteered during the holiday season with Blessings in a Backpack, a nonprofit that provides food on weekends and holidays for school-aged children.
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Armstead has been vocal in the Jacksonville community and was vocal just after the season about his future with the franchise .
Demetrius Harvey is the Jacksonville Jaguars reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @Demetrius82 or on Bluesky @ Demetrius .
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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars' Arik Armstead earns 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award
