Minnesota Vikings Nominate Kyle Rudolph for Walter Payton NFL Man Of The Year Award

The Minnesota Vikings have nominated TE Kyle Rudolph for the Walter Payton NFL Man of The Year Award.

The award recognizes an NFL player for outstanding community service activities off the field as well as excellence on the field.

The NFL will choose three nominees in January and the winner will be announced at the NFL Honors ceremony in Minneapolis the night before the Super Bowl, February 3rd.

According to the Vikings press release about the nomination, "Rudolph grew up watching his brother Casey, deal with and ultimately beat neuroblastoma, an aggressive cancer that attacks infants. Rudolph and his family, inspired by Casey’s battle and their experience in Children’s Hospitals, volunteered at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital throughout Kyle’s childhood. The motivation to help kids in need has been a driving force in his work with the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital."

Kyle and his wife Jordan will celebrate the opening of Kyle Rudolph’s End Zone at the University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital on December 18th. The 2,500-square foot play area for children and teens will allow them to "engage in therapeutic play and experience a sense of normalcy and fun."

The award was created in 1970. It was renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame Chicago Bears running back, Walter Payton. $500,000 will be donated in the name of the winner.