Israel Idonije Nominated for Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

by Dane Noble on Dec 23, 2009 4:01 PM CST in News

It's always a good thing when we can find things to smile about during such a tortuous season, and now is one of those times.

Announced today, Israel Idonije has been nominated by the Bears for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

The award recognizes a player's off-field contributions as well as his efforts on the field. The league award has been around since 1970 and was named after Payton in 1999.

Idonije established the Israel Idonije Foundation to help families and individuals in economically challenged communities in the area and around the world. He has done substantial charitable work in Nigeria and has sponsored scholarships. He also has done charitable work in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and in local communities here.

Congrats to Izzy... we're pulling for you! Also, here is a link to the Israel Idonije Foundation.

And, for no real reason, a picture of a happy hamster.

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hey!

Bears might actually win something this year!

Space Mountain on Three; One, Two, Three, Space Mountain!

by Mark Saade on Dec 23, 2009 4:22 PM CST reply actions

Izzy, Izzy, Izzy!!!

by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Dec 23, 2009 4:25 PM CST reply actions

DaHamsta to explode with excitement in 3, 2, 1...

"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
"F*** everybody outside of Halas Hall. BEARDOWN" - WavyGravy

by Spongie on Dec 23, 2009 10:06 PM CST reply actions

now

Izzy is the man, and he is made of pure awsomeness

by DaHamsta on Dec 23, 2009 10:29 PM CST up reply actions

This should be enough to get him to FB

and starting kr and safety

by DaHamsta on Dec 23, 2009 10:35 PM CST reply actions

and epitomizes this award. He is a great DL role player, who plays through injury and always gives his all. I say give Izzy ALL of Harris’ pay this season; he’s given enough effort for the both of them this season.

When you find yourself in a hole, STOP DIGGING!!!

by LostInSTL on Dec 25, 2009 1:28 PM CST reply actions

do it now

by DaHamsta on Dec 25, 2009 5:29 PM CST up reply actions

Aw!

I love the little hamster! :]

"A lot of fans were drawn to me because they knew that whatever the score was, I was going to run as hard as I could on every play. You don't have that now, you have guys waiting for next week or even next year." - Walter Payton

by Ashley Czuba on Dec 25, 2009 9:44 PM CST reply actions