Antoine Winfield Jr. is enjoying the kind of season on the field that could win him another Pro Bowl nomination.
His achievements off the field, however, have already been recognized and might lead to one of the NFL’s highest honours.
The Buccaneers’ nomination for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is Winfield.
Since joining the league in 2020, the safety has worked with local foster children, being engaged with two local nonprofits, Heart Gallery of Tampa and A Kid’s Place of Tampa Bay.
Winfield has supported various outings throughout Tampa Bay to create unforgettable experiences for foster kids.
“It means everything to me to be nominated for Walter Payton Man of the Year,” Winfield said in a news release.
“Every year, the organization has the opportunity to nominate an individual and this was a goal that I set for myself. It’s great to not only be nominated, but to have the platform of this great award to now shed light on some of the most pressing issues in our community.”
Winfield has 89 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions on the season. In appreciation of his achievements, Winfield will wear a Man of the Year helmet sticker through the remainder of the season as a nominee.
During the week preceding Super Bowl 58, all 32 nominees will be honoured for their accomplishments. The recipient of the Man of the Year award will be announced on February 8 (CBS) during the NFL Honours program.
Every nominee will get a donation of up to $55,000, and the winner will receive a donation of $250,000 to the charity of his choice.