DETROIT - Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton
Manning on Friday was named the winner of the Walter
Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
Connie Payton, the wife of the late Walter Payton, presented
Manning with the award at a morning news conference.
The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, named after the
legendary running back of the Chicago Bears, is the only NFL
award that recognizes off-the-field community service as well
as playing excellence.
"This award is one I'll cherish forever in part for the man
it's named after and in part because it represents community
service," Manning said. "With the great advantages of being
an NFL quarterback comes great responsibility to make a
difference in the community."
A two-time MVP, Manning established the PeyBack Foundation in
1999 to help disadvantaged youth build a successful future for
themselves. PeyBack accomplishes the mission through helping
establish community-based programs provide fundamental
leadership and growth opportunities for kids.
The foundation focuses efforts on three states - Indianapolis,
Tennessee and Louisiana - and donated more than $900,000 to
youth organizations.
A six-time Pro Bowler, Manning and his brother - Eli Manning
of the New York Giants - helped bring food and supplies to those
who were left homeless by the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.
"That hurt was real and personal because me and my brother grew
up in Louisiana," Peyton Manning said. "We knew those streets,
neighborhoods and businesses and felt compelled to do something."
Manning joined an esteemed list of past winners that includes
quarterbacks Dan Marino, John Elway and Troy Aikman,
running backs Jerome Bettis and Warrick Dunn and linebacker
Derrick Brooks.
Manning has spent his entire eight-year career with the Colts.
He led the league with a passer rating of 104.1 this past
season, completing 67 percent of his passes for 3,747 yards
and 28 touchdowns with 10 interceptions.