Engagement Insider
2/3/13
Cowboys Witten exemplifies the complete player on and off the field.
In being named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, Dallas Cowboys Tight End and eight-time Pro Bowler Jason Witten exemplifies the elements of success and character--both on the field and off--that is developed through the game of football.
“The Walter Payton Man of the Year award is the only league award to recognize off-the field community service as well as player excellence,’’ Vincent, who received the award in 2002 and is now the NFL’s Vice President of Player Engagement, said. "I was honored to be a part of recognizing Jason as he blends his family, faith, football and service into a successful mix that benefits so many people both in the locker room and his community.’’
Since becoming a Cowboy in 2003, Witten has been actively involved with many non-profit organizations. He serves as the Dallas Cowboys spokesman for NFL PLAY 60 and, through his own charitable endeavor, Jason Witten’s SCORE Foundation (JWSF,www.jasonwitten82.com/ssp/foundation), has launched numerous programs and funded several building projects in Texas and his native Tennessee.
The JWSF SCOREkeepers program has placed full-time, trained male mentors in six battered women’s shelters throughout Texas in an effort to break the cycle of violence that plagues families affected by abuse. The foundation’s newest domestic violence prevention program called “Coaching Boys Into Men” trains high school coaches to educate their players on the dangers of dating violence.
The Wittens make giving back a family affair, involving their children in the team’s early Thanksgiving Day meal at the Salvation Army and underwriting the Dallas Cowboys Women’s Association’s Christmas of Giving, benefiting families from The Family Place. His annual football camp in Tennessee hosts approximately 1,200 youth each year and is one of the largest free football camps in the country.
“I am extremely flattered to be chosen the 2012 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year from such an esteemed group of nominees,” said Witten, who was a finalist along with the Arizona Cardinals’ Larry Fitzgerald and the Cleveland Browns’ Joe Thomas. “I work hard every day not only to be a success on the football field and a credit to my team – but to be a good husband, father, son, grandson, teammate – to be the kind of man that is as respected as Walter Payton was.
“Like others before me, I have a great opportunity as an NFL player to make a difference in the lives of others. It is honestly humbling to be recognized in such a manner for simply doing what I feel is right and human. I am fortunate to have a great support system in my family, the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL which allows me to make an impact in the communities and with people who love our game.”
All 32 team nominees for the award receive a $1,000 donation from NFL Foundation to the charity of their choice. The Man of the Year finalists received an additional $5,000 donation in their name.