Some of you may have seen the patch on Jason Witten’s jersey during the Cowboys’ 30-10 win over the New York Giants on Sunday. So, what was the reason behind the patch?
It’s actually the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award patch and any player who has won that award will wear the patch for the rest of their career. It’s a tradition that started last week.
The award was established in 1970 and renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame running back. It recognizes an NFL player for his excellence both on and off the field. This year, $500,000 will be donated to charity in the name of the 2017 winner.
Witten won the award in 2012.
To further celebrate and promote the 32 team nominees, there is the third annual Charity Challenge, presented by Nationwide, who sponsors the award. Fans are encourage to post #WPMOYChallenge and their favorite nominee’s last name on social media between Dec. 11 and Jan. 7. The nominee who receives the most hashtag mentions will win an additional $25,000 donation to the charity of his choice.
This year’s Cowboys representative is center Travis Frederick. He established the Blocking Out Hunger Foundation in 2016 and began working with nutrition experts to create programming that would help low-income families address hunger. Frederick’s Nourish2Flourish program helps provides meals to hundreds of low-income students who are forced to go without regular meals during extended school breaks.
He also serves as a team spokesperson for the Fuel Up to Play 60 program and as a PLAY 60 ambassador.
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For those who are wanting to support Frederick in the Charity Challenge, #WPMOYChallengeFrederick is the hashtag.
Photos: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders 2017
The Cowboys will play the Oakland Raiders on NBC's Sunday Night Football. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on NBC 5.
