The Los Angeles Rams announced that running back Kyren Williams has been selected as the team’s nominee for the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
The honor was established in 1970 and renamed after the late Hall of Fame Chicago Bears running back in 1999. The annual award recognizes players who excel on-the-field and demonstrate a steadfast commitment to creating a positive impact beyond the game.
Williams was surprised with the news by members of the Watts Rams and North East Lincoln Rams youth football programs.
The Rams provide both programs with funding, educational opportunities, access to players, coaches and staff, and enrichment activities to fuel their passions beyond the playing field.
BRB we’re crying at this surprise.
REPOST TO VOTE | #WPMOYChallenge x @Kyrenwilliams23 pic.twitter.com/lFDLof33dJ
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 4, 2025
“Each time I’m out in the community, I think back on the impact Steven Jackson had on me at a Rams community event growing up,” Williams said. “Being able to make a positive impact on the youth across Los Angeles and seeing the smiles on people’s faces, means everything to me. This award is special because my commitment to the community is never about recognition but about being the inspiration to show young people they can dream big and achieve their goals. The opportunities I’ve been given through being a professional football player allow me to perform on the field but have also given me the platform to pursue what I am most passionate about, giving back to the community. It’s an honor to be the Rams’ club winner for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award alongside players around the league dedicated to their communities.”
Earlier this year, Williams visited LAFD Air Operations to honor first responders following the devastating January wildfires. He also helped distribute new Nike shoes to the youth who lost their homes in the Eaton fire.
Williams additionally donated his 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nomination money to the LAFD Foundation to aid in relief.
All 32 NFL teams nominate a player for the Walter Payton Award and will be recognized for their achievements during the week leading up to Super Bowl LX in the Bay Area.
Each nominee will receive up to $55,000 and the award winner will get up to a $265,000 donation to their charity of choice.
The winner of this year’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award will be announced live at NFL Honors on Thursday, February 5.
Fans are once again encouraged to participate in the annual Charity Challenge, a social media and online contest that allows fans to show support for their favorite Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee.
From Thursday, Dec. 5 to Sunday, Jan. 6, fans can vote on X (formerly known as Twitter) by posting #WPMOYChallenge along with the last name or X handle of their chosen nominee or by voting directly on NFL.com/ManOfTheYear.
The nominee who receives the most collective hashtag mentions and online votes will win an additional $35,000 donation for the charity of their choice, with the runner-up receiving $10,000 and the third-place winner receiving $5,000.
Beginning Week 14 and continuing through the end of the season, all 32 nominees will wear a special Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal in recognition of their accomplishments on and off the field.
2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Awards nominees, including Kyren Williams
Arizona Cardinals: Kevin Beachum
Atlanta Falcons: A.J. Terrell Jr.
Baltimore Ravens: Derrick Henry
Buffalo Bills: Dion Dawkins
Carolina Panthers: Austin Corbett
Chicago Bears: DJ Moore
Cincinnati Bengals: Ted Karras
Cleveland Browns: Grant Delpit
Dallas Cowboys: Solomon Thomas
Denver Broncos: Garett Bolles
Detroit Lions: DJ Reader
Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love
Houston Texans: Azeez Al-Shaair
Indianapolis Colts: Kenny Moore II
Jacksonville Jaguars: Logan Cooke
Kansas City Chiefs: Travis Kelce
Las Vegas Raiders: Maxx Crosby
Los Angeles Chargers: Cameron Dicker
Los Angeles Rams: Kyren Williams
Miami Dolphins: Bradley Chubb
Minnesota Vikings: C.J. Ham
New England Patriots: Hunter Henry
New Orleans Saints: Demario Davis
New York Giants: Bobby Okereke
New York Jets: Quincy Williams
Philadelphia Eagles: Jordan Mailata
Pittsburgh Steelers: Alex Highsmith
San Francisco 49ers: Curtis Robinson
Seattle Seahawks: Julian Love
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield
Tennessee Titans: Jeffery Simmons
Washington Commanders: Bobby Wagner
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