Roquan Smith nominated for NFL’s highest honor

Smith named the Ravens’ Walter Peyton Man of the Year nominee

The NFL’s Walter Peyton Man of the Year award is often dubbed as “the most prestigious accolade”. It is arguably the most important award the NFL gives out every year, but has nothing to do with the sport of football and everything to do with humanity. The award acknowledges a player who has shown a significant community impact and commitment to philanthropy.

This year, the Baltimore Ravens nominee is none other than their defensive captain Roquan Smith.

Every year, all 32 teams nominate one player to be their representative for the award. All 32 players are acknowledged throughout the season, then a winner is picked during the NFL Honors awards show. The winner receives a $250,000 donation to their charity of choice and gets a patch to wear on their jersey while they play. The other 31 nominees also get a $50,000 donation to their charities.

The Ravens are well-known for being an organization with a heavy community impact, though the only Raven to ever win the award was center Matt Birk in 2011. Johnny Unitas was the first ever Man of the Year in 1970 with the Baltimore Colts.

Here’s to acknowledging Roquan Smith, and all the other 31 nominees, for the important impact they have on their communities.