Carolina Panthers Announce Adam Thielen as Nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award 2024
The Carolina Panthers have proudly named Adam Thielen as their nominee for the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, presented by Nationwide. Recognized as the NFL's highest honor, the award celebrates players who not only excel on the field but also make significant contributions to their communities, showcasing a steadfast commitment to positive social change.
Thielen Foundation’s Impact on Communities
Adam Thielen has been a force for good both on and off the field since entering the NFL. Through the Thielen Foundation, he has dedicated himself to empowering underserved youth across Minnesota, North Carolina, and beyond. The foundation focuses on four key pillars: sports, education, mental health, and community development.
In 2024, the Thielen Foundation is set to donate over $800,000, with $793,670 already pledged. These funds will support several initiatives aimed at improving the lives of young people. Key contributions include:
Youth Sports Programs: Funding local football and basketball leagues to offer opportunities for kids to play sports.
Mental Health Support: Providing $20,000 in grants to organizations like Children's Minnesota and Nexas Gerard Family Healing.
School and Community Support: Renovating weight rooms at Como Park High School (Minnesota) and Mallard Creek High School (North Carolina), awarding $41,000 in scholarships to student-athletes, and distributing school supplies to 1,000 students in need.
Through these initiatives, the Thielen Foundation is helping foster leadership, resilience, and opportunity for young people across multiple states.
Ongoing Charitable Efforts and Holiday Campaigns
The Thielen Foundation has made a long-lasting impact on countless communities. The foundation's annual holiday initiatives, such as the Thanksgiving Turkey Drive and Christmas Gift Donation Program, provide support for thousands of families in need. Collaborations with local organizations like Crisis Assistance Ministry and the Panthers' Joy to the Carolinas further amplify its reach.
A passionate advocate for mental health, Adam Thielen has also made a significant impact in this area. Notably, he made a $100,000 donation to Masonic Children’s Hospital to support youth mental health programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation helped combat food insecurity with a $100,000 donation and organized events like the Radio-Thon for Covid Relief, directly benefiting children affected by school closures.
Adam Thielen’s Words of Gratitude
“I am incredibly honored to be the Panthers’ Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee,” Thielen said. “My wife, Caitlin, and I couldn’t have made such an impact without the support of our community. This nomination is a testament to all our Thielen Foundation non-profit and corporate partners who help us give as many youth as possible the opportunity to reach their full potential. We are truly blessed with this platform and are committed to giving back to our communities.”
$55,000 Award for Every Nominee
Each nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award will receive up to $55,000, with the award winner receiving a $265,000 donation to their charity of choice. These donations are made possible by the NFL Foundation and Nationwide Foundation.
Super Bowl Week Recognition
All 32 nominees, including Adam Thielen, will be celebrated for their achievements during the week leading up to Super Bowl LVIII in New Orleans. The winner of the 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award will be announced at NFL Honors, a primetime special airing on FOX and NFL Network on Thursday, February 6.
Nationwide’s Charity Challenge: How Fans Can Participate
Fans can show their support for their favorite nominees through Nationwide’s Charity Challenge. This annual social media contest encourages fans to vote by posting on Twitter with #WPMOYChallenge and their nominee’s last name or X handle. Votes can also be cast directly at NFL.com/ManOfTheYear. The nominee with the most collective votes will receive a $35,000 donation to their charity of choice, with the runner-up and third-place winners also receiving $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. The Charity Challenge runs from Thursday, December 5 to Sunday, January 6.
Special Helmet Decals for Nominees
Beginning in Week 14, all nominees, including Adam Thielen, will wear a special Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal in recognition of their remarkable efforts on and off the field.
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