Story by
OT Kelvin Beachum is Arizona Cardinals' Walter Payton honoree
- Story by
- OT Kelvin Beachum is Arizona Cardinals' Walter Payton honoree
For the third time in his 14-year NFL career and the second time during his six seasons with the Arizona Cardinals , veteran tackle Kelvin Beachum has been named his team's recipient for one of the most prestigious honors in the sport, the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
Beachum, 36, was recognized by Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill during a presentation on the practice fields in front of the entire team. The reactions from teammates, coaches and other club personnel made the moment extra special, said Beachum, who was also the Cardinals' Man of the Year nominee in 2021 and previously was the choice by the New York Jets in 2018.
Advertisement
"It was cool because these are the same folks who have been out in the field (performing charity work) with me in many respects," he said during a news conference on Thursday, Dec. 4, at the team's Tempe training facility. "Some of them even asked, 'Kelvin, next time you're going somewhere international, can I go with you?'
"To hear and to feel that type of interaction, it's authentic. It's real. And anytime you have the respect of your peers, it means a great deal. So, for me to get that in front of my teammates and go into the locker room … and still having teammates talk about it, it's gratifying to have that type of appreciation and admiration."
The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award recognizes one player from all 32 franchises who excels on the field and demonstrates a commitment to making a positive impact beyond the game. Much of Beachum's charity work has revolved around ending hunger and providing access to clean water around the world. He has been a longtime volunteer at the United Food Bank, serves as a task force member for the Players Coalition, where he focuses on education equity, and is an Advisory Board member for Donors Choose, an organization that allows individuals to donate directly to public school classroom projects.
Proceeds from the children's book he recently wrote, "Kelvin's Big Adventure Map," which is based on his life story and details how his career has allowed him to travel the world, explore new cultures, and find ways to give back, go towards supporting literacy programs through Donors Choose.
Advertisement
"While so many players on our team and throughout the league do amazing work in the community, the level of passion and commitment that Kelvin has exhibited during his six seasons in Arizona and throughout his 14-year NFL career is extraordinary," Bidwill said in a statement announcing the nomination. "He truly pours his heart into everything he undertakes – eliminating food insecurity, increasing access to technology and educational opportunities, leading on social justice initiatives. It is remarkable, commendable and illustrates exactly why he is so deserving of this honor."
As the Cardinals' selection, Beachum will receive up to a $40,000 donation to the charity of his choice. He will also wear a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal through the end of the season in recognition of his accomplishments.
All 32 club winners will be highlighted as finalists and recognized for their important work during the week leading up to Super Bowl 60 in San Francisco . The 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year will be announced during NFL Honors, an awards special to air on NBC on Thursday, February 5. The winner will receive up to a $250,000 donation to the charity of his choice.
Beachum said he learned the value of helping others and giving back to the community through his parents and grandparents, and it's something he is passing down to not only rookies and younger players with the Cardinals, but to his own children as well. They often accompany him, he said, to food kitchens to help bag groceries and pass out dinners to those less fortunate.
Advertisement
Asked what it would mean to win league-wide Man of the Year honors, Beachum said, "It would be surreal."
"But I wouldn't stop doing the work," he added. "I'm having even more fun doing the work."
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Cardinals recognize tackle Kelvin Beachum's community work
