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ICYMI: Seahawks QB Russell Wilson Named NFL’s ‘Man of the Year’
While his season might have ended abruptly, it still culminated in the highest of honors for Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson.
During the annual "NFL Honors" ceremony this past weekend preceding Super Bowl LV (55), Wilson was named the league's "Walter Payton Man of the Year" for his charitable work and service to the community. Normally, the awards ceremony would be held in front of a live audience but, because of the coronavirus pandemic and the associated protocols, Wilson received his award virtually.
In his acceptance speech, "DangeRuss", basically, gave his speech as a letter from the heart to his late father -- former NFL player -- Harrison Wilson III.
According to the league, "The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award recognizes an NFL player for his excellence on and off the field. The award was established in 1970. It was renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame Chicago Bears running back, Walter Payton. Each team nominates one player who has had a significant positive impact on his community."
In the video (see: above), the NFL highlighted Wilson's weekly trips to Seattle's Children's Hospital that he has visited every Tuesday since his arrival in the Emerald City. Wilson begins his speech, after accepting the trophy from 2019 winner Calais Campbell, by addressing his father saying, "Dad, I wish you were here to see my kids and my wife and to see me lift the Lombardi. I wish you were here to see me win this award."
The crux of Wilson's message afterwards was that "love changes things".
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Rock on and go Hawks! \m/ \m/
Todd E. Lyons, Esquire
Russell Wilson 2020 NFL Man of the Year
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