Two players in the National Football League with ties to Arkansas are among the finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide. The award recognizes an NFL player for his excellence on and off the field.
Each of the 32 NFL teams selects a club winner, which represents the final field from which the overall award winner is selected. Club winners are recognized beginning in Week 14 of the NFL season with a WPMOY trophy silhouette helmet decal applied through the end of the season. In addition, all current players who have received this esteemed award are honored with a trophy silhouette patch on the front of their jerseys.
Hunter Henry, tight end with the New England Patriots, and Demario Davis, linebacker for the New Orleans Saints, are club winners for their respective franchises in the final round, as well as representing the Natural State.
Henry, a native of Little Rock, played for the Arkansas Razorbacks from 2013 to 2015, racking up all-America (2015), freshman all-America (2013) and first- (2014, 2015) and second-team all-SEC honors (2013). Henry is probably best known for his role in the 4th and 25 “Henry Heave” play in which his backward toss to Alex Collins resulted in an unlikely first down in an overtime win at Ole Miss. He was selected in the second round of the NFL draft in 2016. He spent his first four years in the league with the San Diego Chargers before joining the Patriots in 2021.
Appearing in 17 games this NFL season, Henry hauled in 60 receptions, seven for touchdowns, covering 768 yards, the most yards gained in his pro career. He will suit up in Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8 when New England faces the Seattle Seahawks.
Off the field, Henry keeps a busy schedule with nonprofits and various community groups. Among his activities this year were hosting an annual Bike Giveaway, hosting and personally distributing bikes to local youth; reading to students at Chittick Elementary School; participating in the BedZone Bash, helping provide beds and bedding to children in need; and joining the Patriots’ Special Olympics event, celebrating athletes of all abilities.
He also supported the Communities for People Kicks for Kids sneaker event, ensuring children had access to quality footwear as they head back to school; he was a key figure at the Patriots Day of Pampering, offering support and kindness to women overcoming adversity and continued his involvement in My Cause My Cleats, this year supporting International Justice Mission, which uplifts vulnerable children.
Along with his wife, Parker, Henry traveled to Kenya with International Justice Mission, expanding. The couple also hosted their inaugural Rally for Rescue ping-pong event in collaboration with International Justice Mission to raise money for victims of human trafficking worldwide. The event raised over $316,000 and counting, which will go towards the rescue, freedom and support of those affected.
Mississippi native Demario Davis played his college ball at Arkansas State. There, he led the team with 80 tackles as a sophomore and was twice named first-team All Sun Belt Conference (2010, 2011). Drafted in the third round by the New York Jets in 2012, he split his first five seasons between the Jets and Cleveland Browns, co-leading the league in solo tackles in 2017.
Landing in New Orleans in 2018, Davis has enjoyed the most success as a pro, including being named a second team All-Pro (2020-2023), first team All-Pro (2019) and two Pro Bowls (2022, 2023). He also took home the 2021 Bart Starr Award, presented to the NFLer who exemplifies outstanding character and leadership. This season, he registered 143 total tackles, the highest of his pro career, including 61 solo tackles.
A Community Champion of the Super Bowl LIX Host Committee, Davis participated in almost 30 events and gifted Super Bowl tickets to deserving individuals of local nonprofits. He provides gameday experiences for youth by donating his suite at Saints home games and engaging with them post-game during on-field meet-and-greets.
His community involvement includes a five-month Saturday Mentoring series through his foundation to develop athletic abilities, character, mindset, leadership skills and financial literacy. His Leadership Program targets young leaders ages 16 to 24 to connect them with professionals in the sports industry and equips them with the tools they need to succeed by focusing on workforce development, servant leadership and equity.
Alongside his wife, Tamela, Davis hosted Dinner with the Davises: Carnival Day, an event for 300 kids of the Boys & Girls Club, along with their families. He also co-chairs Covenant House New Orleans’ Sleep Out to raise awareness of homelessness among children; donates meals to local high school football teams and local food pantries; hosts local food drives; and prepares Thanksgiving baskets for families in need. In addition, Davis provides microgrants to eight small, locally owned businesses through his Fueling Dreams Campaign to encourage local entrepreneurs.
Davis regularly supports efforts of the Saints Girls High School Flag Football program; is a Global Flag Football Ambassador for both the NFL and the Saints; led football clinics with the Saints in France; provides scholarships through his P.E.A.R.L.S. program; sponsors Summer Camp/Family Day at Mission First in Mississippi, and participates in book fairs and literacy visits. He also performed various acts of support for Big Brothers Big Sisters, recorded PSAs encouraging families of pediatric cancer patients with Ochsner Health System and supported Night Out Against Crime, supporting children impacted by gun violence.
Established in 1970 and renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame running back, Walter Payton of the Chicago Bears, the 2025 NFL season marks the 12th year of Nationwide’s sponsorship of the award. During that time, Nationwide has contributed more than $2.3 million to the charitable foundations represented by the various nominees and winners.
The winner of the award each year receives up to a $250,000 donation to the charity of his choice, while all 32 club winners receive up to a $40,000 donation to their charity of choice. All donations are courtesy of the NFL Foundation and Nationwide Foundation.
The winner of this year’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide will be announced live at NFL Honors on Thursday, Feb. 5.
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