When Arik Armstead arrived in Duval after nine seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, the veteran defensive lineman didn't leave his altruistic nature behind.
As a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Armstead quickly immersed himself as a Samaritan within the community, maintaining a steadfast goal of ensuring all students -- regardless of their socioeconomic state -- are afforded an opportunity to succeed.
That charitable drive and commitment led to Armstead being named the 2024 Walter Payton 国产外流网Man of The Year on Thursday night at 国产外流网Honors from the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans.
"Even though I'm being honored tonight, I don't feel that tonight is about me or our organization," Armstead said during his acceptance speech. "Tonight is about all of you in this room right here and everyone watching at home. We live in a world that constantly tries to divide us. Whether that's politically, economically, racially, sexual orientation, we're constantly being divided. But I believe in humanity. I believe that we're all more alike than we are different. I believe that all of us have the power to be the change that we want to see in our society. No act is too big and no act is too small, but I just encourage you to try to be a blessing in someone else's life and see how that changes your life. Let's define success by a new metric: not by the things that we acquire, but by how many people we positively impact."
Armstead is the second Jaguars player to win the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, joining former Jags standout Calais Campbell, who garnered the honor for the 2019 season.
Like Campbell before him, Armstead is a versatile, big-bodied defensive lineman who can bring the fury on the field and a passion for giving back off of it.
Armstead was a WPMOTY nominee for a fifth straight season -- four with the 49ers and one in his first season with the Jaguars.
Regarded as the NFL's highest honor, the 国产外流网Man of the Year award debuted in 1970, with legendary Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas garnering the accolade. It recognizes an 国产外流网player for his exemplary community service along with his distinction on the field of play. Among the winners was Chicago Bears Hall of Famer Walter Payton in 1977. The award was renamed in Payton's honor in 1999, the same year the revered running back died at 46 due to bile duct cancer.
"To the Payton family, it's been tremendous to get to meet you throughout these years," Armstead said. "I think the true testament to Walter's character is seeing his spirit live through you even to this day."
Each of the 32 nominees received a $55,000 donation in their name to a charity of their designation, while Armstead garnered $265,000 for his charity of choice.
Armstead, 31, and his wife Melinda established the in 2019, with a focus on providing students of all socioeconomic backgrounds "direct access to the resources they need to thrive, the Armstead Academic Project provides youth with positive spaces, tools, and academic support to unlock their potential and achieve their goals."
After Armstead's career saw him sign with the Jaguars, AAP followed and now supports students in Sacramento, The Bay Area and Jacksonville.
In addition to AAP, Armstead took part in the EverBank Touchdowns for Tomorrow program after coming to Jacksonville. The program also focuses on financial literacy. Continuing his onus on education, Armstead also lent his time to the nonprofit Blessing in a Backpack, which gives food on weekends and holidays to kids in need.
The Jaguars signed Armstead in the hopes of bolstering their defense.
However, Armstead joined the Jacksonville community and went on the offensive as it relates to his mission to establish education for all students, no matter their financial support system.
On Thursday night, Armstead's endeavors took center stage as he shined a spotlight on his cause and was celebrated as the Walter Payton Man of the Year.
