By Ross Jackson
Few NFL players are more synonymous with their community than New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan.
On Wednesday, the organization nominated Jordan for one of the league’s most prestigious honors–The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
The honor recognizes players for more than their on-field play alone. It highlights the contributions players make in their communities as well.
The 14-year pro spends most every off-day visiting organizations and schools around the New Orleans areas. These contributions have long been a part of Jordan’s story since being drafted in 2011.
“The backbone of his extensive community service throughout the year during his entire playing career are school visits,” the Saints’ press release reads. “With an emphasis on mentoring, motivation, education and physical fitness. By the end of the season, Jordan will have visited over 20 schools on a Monday or a Tuesday. Jordan has also bestowed upon each school a $10,000 donation that provides tangible benefit, whether it’s supplies or educational/extracurricular benefits to the students and staff in their quest for achievement and development.”
Jordan’s impact in the community has been sizable. Not only has he done phenomenal work with the city’s youth, but he’s also made strides in pushing for social change. In 2020, Jordan heeded the call in working with Crescent City Corps to help provide anti-racism and community engagement training.
His organization, the Cam Jordan Foundation is also dedicated to creating “positive change in children’s lives and to better the community through resources, youth development initiatives and innovative experiences.”
Saints owner Gayle Benson praises Jordan for his presence both on and off the field as a respected member of the franchise and community at large.
“Cam’s dedication to this community has been evident since he became part of the Saints family 14 years ago,” said Benson via the team’s press release. “His true passion for helping people, especially our youth, shines through in everything he does. Whether on or off the field, Cam gives his full effort. He is a respected ten-year team captain, a devoted husband and father, and a compassionate servant to our community, making him the model Saint. I could not be more proud of Cam and all that he has accomplished.”
The award’s winner will be announced Thursday, Feb. 6 at NFL Honors, the league’s end-of-year awards special. Per the NFL, “each nominee will receive up to $55,000 and the award winner will receive up to a $265,000 donation to their charity of choice. All donations are made possible by the NFL Foundation and Nationwide Foundation.
Here is the full list of 32 nominees from across the league:
Cardinals tight end Trey McBride
Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett
Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith
Bills tackle Dion Dawkins
Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen
Bears defensive lineman Andrew Billings
Bengals tackle Orlando Brown Jr.
Browns cornerback Denzel Ward
Cowboys guard Zack Martin
Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton
Lions quarterback Jared Goff
Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark
Texans safety Jalen Pitre
Colts cornerback Kenny Moore
Jaguars defensive tackle Arik Armstead
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby
Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker
Rams running back Kyren Williams
Dolphins fullback Alec Ingold
Vikings fullback C.J. Ham
Patriots defensive lineman Deatrich Wise
Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan
Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton
Jets defensive lineman Solomon Thomas
Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham
Steelers defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi
49ers linebacker Curtis Robinson
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu
Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans
Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons
Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner
