Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award winners and nominees who spoke with The USA TODAY Network had no knowledge the tip sheet existed, though each said young teammates ask them for such advice.

It was called NFL Man of the Year Award from 1970 until 1999, when it was renamed for Hall of Famer Walter Payton after his death in 1999. Payton was the recipient of the honor in 1977.

Walter Payton was in perpetual motion — the tailback was always most comfortable that way. He traveled about four days a week for appearances, speeches and various business ventures.

Cleveland Browns Walter Payton Man of the Year 2023 nominee. Anthony Walker Jr., LB, emphasizes education and is the face of the team's Stay in the Game! initiative encouraging kids to attend school.

Walter Payton’s daughter Brittney, left, and son Jarrett, right, and their children view the statue of Walter Payton outside of Gate O at Soldier Field on Sept. 3, 2019.

One year ago, football great Walter Payton died of liver cancer at the age of 45. The Chicago Bears legend was known as "Sweetness" and it was easy to see why. Often making a football play look ...

They called him Sweetness, but Chicago Bears great Walter Payton had a dark side, according to a biography to be released Oct. 4. An excerpt of "Sweetness: The Enigmatic Life of Walter Payton," by ...

"Walter Payton was insanely curious, and his interest in other people -- regular fans, folks on the street -- extended beyond the scope of nearly any athlete I've ever come across ...

In the eyes of football fans, the late, great Walter Payton is more than just one of the best running backs in NFL history. He remains one of the most widely respected men to ever play the game ...

The Walter Payton Award winner is revealed annually at the STATS FCS Awards Banquet and Presentation the night before the FCS championship game in Frisco, Texas. The 2024 recipient was announced ...

They called him Sweetness, but Chicago Bears great Walter Payton had a dark side, according to a biography to be released Oct. 4.. An excerpt of "Sweetness: The Enigmatic Life of Walter Payton ...