Dwayne Allen is Colts ‘Walter Payton Man of the Year Award’ Nominee

Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen was named the team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award nominee, as the league released nominees for each of the NFL’s 32 teams on Wednesday.

It’s a highly regarded honor named after the late great Walter Payton that recognizes excellence both on and off the field. Via the NFL’s official press release:

"“The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award recognizes an NFL player for his excellence on and off the field. The award was established in 1970. It was renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame Chicago Bears running back, Walter Payton. Each team nominates one player who has had a significant positive impact on his community.”"

Sep 13, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen (83) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Allen is definitely a worthy candidate of such a highly regarded honor from his team, as the 4th-year tight end has been significantly involved in off-the-field volunteering and service.

Rest assured, Allen didn’t take his recent nomination lightly:

"“It’s an honor,” said Allen. “It’s one that I am not deserving of. I try to live my life and show an example that is worthy of others to follow. I just want this world to be a better place.”“If it’s me volunteering with USO or something that I’m very passionate about,” added Allen. “You know inspiring and empowering the youth man. I do it wholeheartedly just to serve those people.”"

One of the service organizations that Allen is proudest of being involved with is the non-profit organization Dream Alive, where he’s recently served as player executive:

"“For the last 3 years, I’ve had the pleasure of serving as player executive to a non-profit organization by the name of Dream Alive,” said Allen. “This cause, this organization is near and dear to my heart because I grew up in an inner city. I know what it’s like to not have any role models. I know what it’s like to never leave your bubble.”“Dream Alive believes that not only with community service and character development, but if you’re able to take a kid outside of their environment and expose them to something different, that it could be the catalyst for a life change,” added Allen. “Martin Luther King Jr. said that, ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?’,” concluded Allen. “If I win the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, I believe that it would inspire others to answer that question.”"

The 3 finalists for the award will be announced in January 2016, with the winner being declared on NFL Honors night on February 6th. While it’s uncertain whether Allen will ultimately win the award, it’s still a tremendous honor to receive his team’s nomination, and he’s already “won” plenty already.

The young tight end is clearly a player who truly embodies “the Horseshoe” and represents the organization incredibly well both on and off the field. He should be proud of receiving such recognition for his exceptional service and efforts, and it will be interesting to see the final results.

Here is a list of each of the NFL’s 32 team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award nominees: