Devin McCourty’s hard work on and off the field is being recognized by the New England Patriots.
The defensive back has been named the team’s nominee for the annual Walter Payton Man of the Year award, which honors a player’s commitment to volunteer work in their community.
Of the 32 nominees, three will be selected as finalists for the award, named for the legendary Chicago Bears running back. The winner will be announced during the fourth annual NFL Honors awards show in Arizona on NBC the night before Super Bowl XLIX.
McCourty has strived to make a difference in the New England community since joining the organization in 2010, as he has served as an advocate for education for middle school students with the team’s “Read Between the Lines” program, made numerous hospital visits and spent countless hours at community shelters.
In addition, McCourty teamed up with his twin brother, Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty, to start a foundation to help fight Sickle Cell, a disease that has affected members of his family. McCourty also works closely with the Boston Children’s Hospital to raise awareness and help find a cure for the disease, while serving as a mentor to kids and families he’s met through hospital visits who have the disease.
Each of the nominees will receive a $1,000 donation to the charity of their choice, with the winner receiving a $25,000 donation.
Thumbnail photo via Stew Milne/USA TODAY Sports Images
