After having the best season of his 12 year career in the NFL, Saints’ tight end Benjamin Watson was named a finalist for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.
The award recognizes NFL players who have gone above and beyond to give back to their respective communities throughout the season.
Watson has been working to combat domestic violence and was one of the first players to join the “No More” campaign.
One of his foundation’s annual events is the Big BENefit, where 25 families from a local domestic violence shelter are treated to a shopping spree.
Additionally, Watson was named one of CNN’s Most Extraordinary People of the Year back in 2014.
Giants’ quarterback Eli Manning and San Francisco 49ers receiver Anquan Boldin have also been named finalists for the award. The winner will be announced during the NFL Honors, a two-hour primetime special airing nationally on CBS on Feb. 6, the night before Super Bowl 50.
The winner will receive a $55,000 donation to the charity of his choice and the runner ups will both receive $11,000 donations.