Defensive End Arik Armstead is making an impact off the field as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. Named after the late Chicago Bears legend, the award recognizes not only on-field performance but also contributions to the community, and Armstead embodies this spirit., as cited in a press release acknowledged by First Coast News.

Since joining the Jaguars, he has focused on community initiatives like the EverBank Touchdowns for Tomorrow program, where football drills are combined with financial lessons to teach kids in Duval County about saving and budgeting. Later this month, he'll also team up with Blessings in a Backpack, a nonprofit helping ensure kids have food when school meals aren't available, according to the Jaguars' official site.

Armstead has earned several accolades, including the Perry/Yonamine Unity Award, the CBS Bay Area Jefferson Award, and the Yours Humanly 2023 Leading with Heart Award. His efforts have raised over $2 million and impacted more than 500,000 youth.

The NFL is recognizing nominees like Armstead with a special Man of the Year helmet decal starting in Week 14. Some stadiums will feature goal post wraps with the award's logo. A broadcast special, airing on ESPN on December 24, will showcase interviews with nominees, including Armstead, offering a deeper look into their community efforts.