Jaguars nominate Calais Campbell for Walter Payton Man of the Year

Jacksonville, FL — As the disappointing season quickly draws to a close, the Jacksonville Jaguars are celebrating DT Calais Campbell by nominating him for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.

The award recognizes the NFL player that best demonstrates outstanding community service and excellence on the field. During Sunday’s game at Oakland, Campbell will wear a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal.

“Calais means so much more to the NFL than being a great player on the field each and every Sunday,” said Jaguars Head Coach Doug Marrone. “He embodies all the traits that make someone a consummate professional, and his passion and love for the game and everything it represents is why he’s a perfect candidate for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. As a tenured veteran, Calais has made an impact everywhere he’s been during his football career, both inside the organizations he’s played for with his teammates, coaches and the staff, as well as in the community with his neighbors. With every second of free time, it seems like he’s always out in the city looking for a way to give back and make a difference. I’m honored to have had the privilege to coach a player and a man like Calais Campbell.”

Campbell and his family formed the CRC Foundation in 2009, named for his late father, Charles. The foundation is committed to the enhancement of the community through the teaching of critical life skills to young people, transforming them into empowered and self-aware leaders of the future.

In NE Florida, Campbell has hosted two editions of Christmas with Calais, a holiday shopping spree for local kids who have completed extra lessons in financial literacy. He has also made semi-weekly visits to Northwestern Middle School as part of his CRC Book Club.  And he is a frequent speaker in schools across NE Florida.

To date, Campbell has contributed $20,000 each to Feeding Northeast Florida, the Clara White Mission and the Wounded Warrior Project. The United Way of Northeast Florida will be the recipient of his December gift.