On Tuesday, Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin was selected as Washington’s 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award nominee.
The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is given annually to an NFL player who excels both on and off the field. McLaurin has been a constant presence in the DMV community since he was drafted in 2019 and has been Washington’s most popular player since his arrival.
The Commanders shared how McLaurin learned he was the Payton Award nominee, bringing him to tears.
McLaurin was sitting in a room at the team’s Ashburn headquarters, waiting for what he thought was an interview with Washington legend Santana Moss — now employed by the team.
Instead of Moss, McLaurin’s girlfriend, Caitlin, entered the room and informed McLaurin he was Washington’s nominee.
Terry thought he was sitting down for an interview with Santana Moss, but we had something else in store…#WPMOYChallenge McLaurin pic.twitter.com/5ISzpmXNdd
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 5, 2023
McLaurin then explained why this meant so much.
Bigger than football
#WPMOYChallenge McLaurin pic.twitter.com/dPANkCBcAx
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 5, 2023
Terry McLaurin is a great football player. He’s an even better human being. It’s easy to see why he is so beloved by Washington fans and the DMV community.