Dec 4, 2023 | Los Angeles, NBA, Sports, Valleys

Chargers Derwin James Receives Super Honor

The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award recognizes an NFL player for distinguished community service activities off the field and exceptional play on the field. The award is considered one of the NFL’s most esteemed accolades for an individual–and James certainly fits the criteria.

Derwin James named Chargers 2023 nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award© (Provided by Chargers Wire)

Earl Heath

Contributing Sports Writer

The Los Angeles Chargers announced that safety Derwin James has been nominated for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. This is James’ second consecutive year being nominated.

“I’m incredibly blessed and honored to be named a Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee for the second year,” said James. “I know how special of an honor this is and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to service my community and want to continue to take every opportunity to support my community in any way possible.”

The three-time Pro Bowler has become one of the prominent leaders for the Bolts and has made community involvement a priority since beginning his career in the league. Just days after being selected as the 17th overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, he accompanied local youth football players at the site that would become SoFi Stadium.

Throughout his six years in the NFL, James continues to engage with the Southern California community at team and player-led events as well as his own outreach initiatives that support a number of causes.

The All-Pro safety is a longtime supporter of the Boys and Girls Club and is a former “Club Kid” member himself. This year, James supported the Chargers Impact Fund for its’ launch of the Bolts Book Club summer reading program. During his visit to the Watts-Willowbrook clubhouse, he read to everyone in attendance and spoke about the importance of reading daily.