Quincy Enunwa is the New York Jets nominee for the WALTER PAYTON NFL MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD.Representing the best of the NFL's commitment to philanthropy and community impact, Enunwa was selected as the New York Jets Man of the Year and is now eligible to win the national award. Considered one of the League's most prestigious honors, the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award recognizes an NFL player for outstanding community service activities off the field as well as excellence on the field.
Three of the nominees will be selected as finalists for the national award, renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame Chicago Bears running back WALTER PAYTON. Finalists will be announced in January 2018. The winner will be announced in Minneapolis at NFL Honors, a two-hour primetime awards special to air nationally on Feb. 3, the night before Super Bowl LII, from 8-10 PM (ET and PT) on NBC.
Enunwa has been a stalwart in the community for the Jets where he volunteers with middle school students through the Jets PLAY 60 Challenge. He was also heavily involved with the launch of the Jets NFL Flag Football League in partnership with the NYC PAL that allows more than 1,200 NYC children to participate in the athletic program at no cost. Through the Jets relationship with the New York City Department of Education's Public School Athletic League's High School Football program, Enunwa has spoken to teams that the Jets support. In 2016, the New York Jets named Enunwa the Marty Lyons Community Service Award Winner for his involvement and dedication to all aspects of the Jets Community Relations program and commitment to his community. On May 9, 2017, Enunwa received the United Way of New York City's Hometown Hero award at the 24th annual Gridiron Gala.
Five hundred thousand dollars will be donated in the name of the 2017 winner. $250,000 will be donated to the winner's charity of choice and $250,000 will be donated in his name to expand Character Playbook across the country. The two other finalists will each receive a $100,000 donation to their charity of choice and a $100,000 donation in their names to expand Character Playbook. All other 29 nominees will receive a $50,000 donation to their charity of choice and an additional $50,000 donation in their name to expand Character Playbook. All donations are courtesy of the NFL Foundation and United Way Worldwide. Enunwa's charity of choice is Harlem Grown, an independent, non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability, and nutrition.
The NFL announced last month a Super Bowl Ticket Giveaway, a new initiative this season to surprise fans across the country with an invitation to attend Super Bowl LII in Minnesota. As a Man of the Year nominee, Enunwa received two Super Bowl LII tickets to give away to community heroes.
To learn more about Enunwa's nomination, visit NFL.com/manoftheyear.
