Ashburn , Va. – The Washington Commanders announced that Bobby Wagner has been selected as the team's club winner for the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide.
The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide is the league's most prestigious honor, recognizing players who excel on the field and demonstrate a commitment to making a positive impact beyond the game.
A seasoned NFL veteran and six -time All -Pro, Wagner has earned recognition not only for his achievements on the field but for his enduring dedication to community service. He has been an advocate for mental health and social justice reform, working with lo cal nonprofits and participating in NFL initiatives like Inspire Change along with establishing a partnership with Children's National Hospital to launch the Phenia Mae Fund —named in honor of his mother through his FAST54 initiative — in support of the hospital's pediatric stroke program, marking the fourth such fund he has established for stroke prevention.
Wagner has been a dedicated champion for entrepreneurship, venture capital, and business development. His commitment is evident in initiatives like the Tackle Everything Tech Tour, most recently completing his third tour in Washington, D.C., through which he highlights the importance of building generational wealth and exposing youth to different industries and leaders in the business and tech space.
"To be nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award is truly an honor and a blessing ," said Wagner. "Serving the community continues to be a rewarding part of my life and I'm grateful for the opportunity to keep pouring into places and people that have become part of my story."
Wagner leads through consistency and genuine care, using his own actions to set the standard. He invests his time directly in community , volunteering at shelters, supporting holiday programs, and providing meals and essential supplies to underserved families. His humility and relentless work ethic continue to inspire everyone around him, and his commitment to giving back has become a defining part of who he is, both on and off the field.
"Fourteen years into his career, Bobby continues to set the standard, both as a player and a person," said Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn. "What truly sets Bobby apart is the way he leads by example and inspires the people around him. The care he puts int o his community work reflects the same dedication he brings to football, and it's why he is such an important presence in our locker room, in our community, and in our league."
All 32 club winners will be recognized for their achievements during the week leading up to Super Bowl LX in the Bay Area. The national winner of the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide will be announced during NFL Honors, a primetime awards special airing on Thursday, Feb. 5.
Each of this year's club winners supports a range of causes and initiatives off the field, including uplifting underserved communities, empowering young people to lead healthy lifestyles , and many other notable causes. The charitable beneficiary of each team's club winner will receive up to $55,000, and the nonprofit chosen by the overall national winner will receive up to $265,000. All funds are donations courtesy of the NFL Foundation an d the Nationwide Foundation.
Fans are once again encouraged to participate in Nationwide's 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 club winner. Fans can vote on X/Twitter by posti ng #WPMOYChallenge along with the last name/X handle of their chosen player or by voting directly on NFL.com/ManOfTheYear. The charitable beneficiary of the player who receives the most collective hashtag mentions and online votes will win an additional $3 5,000 donation from Nationwide, with the nonprofit partners of the runner -up and third - place finishers receiving $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. Charity Challenge voting takes place from December 4 through January 5, 2026.
Beginning Week 14 and continuing through the end of the season, each of this year's club winners, including Bobby Wagner, will wear a special Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal in recognition of their accomplishments on and off the field.
