Jaguars' Arik Armstead Named 2024-25 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year at the NFL Honors on Thursday.

The award is given annually to the players who "excel on the field and demonstrate a passion for creating a lasting positive impact beyond the game." This year was the first time Armstead has won the award, and he also earned his fifth nomination in 2024.

Armstead, a 10-year veteran, had a commendable year on the field, picking up 29 tackles and two sacks in his first year in Jacksonville. What was more impressive is what Armstead did off the field this year.

His organization, Armstead Academic Project, has raised more than $2 million for STEM opportunities for children in the Sacramento and Bay Area since its inception in 2019.

"What inspired me to start the Armstead Academic Project - I was a kid who struggled in school at a young age and if it wasn't for people who poured into my life, I wouldn't have had a shot at being successful," Armstead said, via NFL.com. "There's a lot of kids who are just like me, who just need some nurturing and some resources to be poured into; their potential is endless. Those are the kids we're trying to reach and serve."

This season, Armstead donated $50,000 to the Department of Sound, which helped create a "Sound Mind" production workshop for 60 young people to "explore STEAM education and social emotional wellness." He also donated $100,000 to Teach for America and Square Root Academy.

Armstead's reading program, "Storytime with Arik Armstead," aims to help improve literacy rates. After joining the Jaguars this year, he also participated in the EverBank Touchdowns for Tomorrow program, which focuses on the importance of financial education to kids from Duval County Public Schools.

The Walter Payton Man of the Year award is one of the most prestigious recognitions a player can earn, and now Armstead has earned that honor.