SPORT FOR IMPACT ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL 2025 RING OF HONOR CELEBRATION
Super Bowl Event to Recognize the Continuing Legacy of Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Winners
New Orleans, LA – In a monumental celebration of philanthropy, Sport for Impact (SFI) honored the true essence of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide (WPMOY) with the inaugural Ring of Honor event. This celebration uplifts the continued work of WPMOY honorees and inspires every past winner to continue to carry the torch of service, using their platform to make a difference in the years to come. Taking place during Super Bowl Week in New Orleans, the event marks a pivotal moment for Sport for Impact, showcasing their commitment to both recognize current outstanding community work and inspire others to do the same.
Honorees include: Derrick Brooks (2000 Recipient, Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Warrick Dunn (2004 Recipient, Atlanta Falcons), Marty Lyons (1984 Recipient, New York Jets), Troy Vincent (2002 Recipient, Philadelphia Eagles), and Kurt Warner (2008 Recipient, Arizona Cardinals). Their extraordinary dedication to philanthropy was celebrated as a tribute to generational community impact. These NFL Legends were selected based on their long-standing impact and engagement within the community, demonstrating a deep commitment to causes through volunteering, advocacy, fundraising, and events. With at least 15 years of documented impact each, these individuals exemplify the values of leadership, compassion, humility, and service.
This year, Sport for Impact co-founder, Anquan Boldin, (2015 Recipient, San Francisco 49ers), led this new initiative with support from the Stand Together. In partnership with the NFL Legends Community, the event will elevate the legacy of past WPMOY winners. “Community work resonates far beyond the field,” said Boldin. “By fostering collaboration and celebrating these achievements, we’re inspiring future generations to understand the long-lasting impact that athletes can have on their communities.” The Ring of Honor seeks to inspire past Man of the Year recipients to lifetime community work, and enshrine their contributions at the highest level.
“This prestigious honor enshrines the body of work of Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year winners at the highest level, preserving the legacy of the award and building the brotherhood of philanthropy-driven athletes.” said Troy Vincent, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations.
Each NFL Legend will receive a $10,000 Legends community grant, a custom Michael Strahan jacket that includes NFL team linings and personalized detail and a commemorative frame that include their game
jersey with the Man of the Year patch and a photo of them receiving their Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
The event welcomes many previous WPMOY recipients and members of the Payton Family and is taking place this afternoon in downtown New Orleans at the JW Marriott. It will highlight the collective mission of Sport for Impact, which since its launch last year has galvanized athletes across various sports to unite for greater community impact. By creating platforms like the WPMOY Ring of Honor Celebration, Sport for Impact is setting a new standard for how sports can be leveraged to drive change and inspire action.
About Sport for Impact
Sport for Impact (SFI) empowers athletes to use the transformative power of sport as a catalyst for social change. With focus on strategic community impact, philanthropy, and issue-driven collective action, SFI amplifies and advances social good. Through data-driven insights and its Athlete Impact Network, SFI accelerates athlete-led charitable initiatives and fosters meaningful collaboration for exponential impact.
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