(complete list of winners below).ĭunn, who posted his 3rd career 1,000 yard season, participates in community service with the same fervor he employs on the field.
Recent winners include Will Shields of the Kansas City Chiefs (2003), Troy Vincent of the Buffalo Bills (2002), Jerome Bettis of the Pittsburgh Steelers (2000), and co-winners in 2001 Derrick Brooks of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jim Flanigan formerly of the Chicago Bears.
The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, named after the legendary Chicago Bears running back who died in 1999, is the only league award that recognizes a player’s off-the-field community service as well as his playing excellence.ĭunn, who is the first Falcons player to receive the honor, joins an esteemed list of past winners that includes 12 members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
In addition, NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue saluted Dunn’s honor during his annual Super Bowl news conference. The National Football League today announced that Warrick Dunn, running back for the NFC South Division Champion Atlanta Falcons, was named the 2004 Walter Payton Man of the Year.Ĭonnie Payton, Walter Payton’s wife presented Dunn with his award this morning at a press conference in Jacksonville after NFL vice president of player and employee development and hall of fame member Michael Haynes made the announcement.