Lawrence Guy Named Patriots Nominee For NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

New England Patriots defensive end Lawrence Guy was named the Patriots Ron Burton Community Service Award winner this summer and now he has the chance to be recognized nationally for his charitable efforts as the team’s nominee for the annual NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

On Tuesday, Guy and the other 31 nominees around the league were announced by the NFL.

Each year, the Walter Payton Man of the Year award recognizes an NFL player for their outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on the field.

During his Patriots tenure, Guy and his wife Andrea established the Lawrence Guy Family Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides resources and opportunities for financially disadvantaged families. The foundation became an official nonprofit in 2019 with the goal of inspiring and helping disadvantaged families achieve their full potential. The foundation’s three main programs include the back-to-school event, Thanksgiving with the Guys, and Shop with a Jock.

Additionally, Guy frequently participates in the Patriots Foundation’s signature holiday events and has given back to local schools to help fund technology labs, participate in virtual and in-person classes with students, help to install playgrounds and listen to student project presentations.

“It’s an absolute honor to be chosen as the Patriots 2021 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee,” said Guy. “My wife and I strive to give back to the community and to have this platform in the NFL creates a huge opportunity. I am honored to have my name mentioned in the same sentence as Walter Payton who left such a great legacy on this game.”

“Lawrence Guy represents what a New England Patriot is and we are proud to nominate him as this year’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award,” said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft in a statement. “Lawrence and his wife Andrea are involved in a wide range of community initiatives in and around New England and it’s amazing to see all of the wonderful work they are doing.”

As a nominee, Lawrence Guy will wear a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal through the end of the season in recognition of his accomplishments on and off the field.

The recipient of the 2021 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year will be formally announced during NFL Honors prior to Super Bowl LVI.

Check out the moment Guy learned he was the Patriots nominee during a team meeting below.

"Use your voice…because you don't know who you might touch, or who you might inspire to be great."

Robert Kraft presents @thatLGUY with the Patriots #WPMOY nomination. pic.twitter.com/awnJIak8pu

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 7, 2021