Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis was selected the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year at the NFL Honours event Saturday night in Phoenix.
Davis received the honour over other finalists, Arizona wide receiver Anquan Boldin and Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
"I am honoured to be selected as the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year," Davis said. "This award means a great deal to me, as it symbolises the valued work that the NFL, its players, and its 32 teams do in the community. I am blessed to have such a strong support system in my family, the Carolina Panthers and the NFL, which allows me to make an impact in the communities we serve.
"I would like to recognise the outstanding efforts of each of this year’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominees. The collective compassion, commitment and service they provide to their respective teams and communities sets a standard for others to follow.
"I would like to thank the National Football League, the Payton family, and Nationwide for recognising the efforts of NFL players who are following the inspirational leadership and legacy of Walter Payton."
A team captain, Davis collected 129 tackles with 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a recovery, and six passes defended in 15 games. But it was his off-the-field contributions that earned him the Man of the Year award.
Davis, a four-time Man of the Year nominee, and his wife Kelly founded the Thomas Davis Defending Dreams Foundation in 2007.
The foundation is a non-profit dedicated to providing and promoting free programs that enhance the quality of life for more than 2,000 underprivileged children and their families annually.
Since its inception, the foundation has distributed more than $500,000 in aid. The foundation’s cornerstone program, the Youth Leadership Academy, is a 14-week after-school mentoring program for low-income middle school students.
The 31-year-old annually provides two college scholarships for graduating high school seniors who have completed the Youth Leadership Academy program. Davis also hosts annual programs including a back-to-school supply giveaway, a Thanksgiving meal for members of a local women’s shelter and a Christmas gift giveaway for underprivileged children in the Charlotte area and in his hometown of Shellman, Georgia.
Davis, who is active in the NFL PLAY 60 efforts and is a frequent visitor at the local paediatric hospital, received the Call to Courage Award last April. That honour is given annually to a Christian athlete who displays exemplary character through both adversity and triumph.