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The New England Patriots announced Jonathan Jones as its 2023 nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
The award is the league’s most prestigious off-field honor and acknowledges NFL players who “excel on the field and demonstrate a passion for creating a lasting positive impact beyond the game in their communities.”
For nearly eight seasons, Jones has not only been one of the team’s most reliable and versatile cornerbacks on the field, he has become a philanthropic pillar within the community.
“It’s an honor any time that you are recognized for the work that you do, even when it’s something like this that you don’t do for recognition,” said Jones via team statement. “It’s always an honor to be recognized and to continue to go out there and help more people.”
Earlier this year, Jones was honored by the Patriots with the Ron Burton Community Service Award for his contributions to communities throughout the nation. He made history in January by becoming the first male ambassador for iPlay Like A Girl, an organization supporting women and girls in STEM and sports. Jones’ also furthered his contributions to the fight against hunger. by working with the Auburn Sustenance Project, in which he hosted a February community fundraiser while packing meals for those in need. As such, the Jonathan Jones Next Step Foundation became an agency for the Food Bank of East Alabama.
Patriots chairman and CEO Robert Kraft paid tribute to Jones’ contributions to the organization, as well as the community, via statement on Tuesday morning.
“I am happy to announce that Jonathan Jones is the Patriots selection for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award,” said Kraft. “Jonathan has been a tremendous ambassador for the Patriots since he joined the team as a rookie free agent in 2016. Every year, his role and contributions have grown, both on the field and in the community. He started the Jonathan Jones Next Step Foundation to positively impact the lives of youth in his New England and Georgia communities through education and mentorship. He became the first male ambassador for ‘iPlay Like a Girl’ through his advocacy for women and girls in sports, and he continues to empower young women to excel in STEM fields. I am proud to have him represent the New England Patriots as this year’s nominee”
As a nominee, Jones will wear a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal through the end of the season in recognition of his accomplishments on and off the field.
All 32 nominees will be recognized for their achievements during the week leading up to Super Bowl LVIII. The 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year winner will be announced during NFL Honors, a primetime awards special to air nationally on CBS on Feb. 8.
Visit HERE for more information on the NFL Man of the Year nominees and process, including fan voting.
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