Trey Burton is the Bears’ nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

Earlier today the NFL announced today the 32 nominees for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide, and the Chicago Bears’ nominee is tight end Trey Burton.

By being Chicago's recipient of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, Burton is now eligible to be awarded the honor from the league. The national winner will be announced during NFL Honors, which is a two-hour prime time special that will air on February 2, on CBS. from the Fox Theatre in Atlanta.

The award recognizes players “for outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on the field,” and it was first established in 1970, but renamed in 1999 after legendary Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton.

“The Man of the Year Award gives us the opportunity to acknowledge 32 exemplary players whose commitment to excellence extends on and off the field,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “This year’s nominees have used their platforms to transform communities across the country. We are proud of their work and celebrate their dedication and impact through this award.”

Burton is in his first year with the Bears after spending hie previous four years with the Philadelphia Eagles. His 38 receptions and 448 receiving yards are career highs, and his 5 touchdowns are tied for his most in a season.

He has been involved in the Chicago community since joining the Bears and active in supporting various charitable organizations.

From the NFLPA.

Trey Burton leads by example and has been dedicated to the Chicago community since joining the team. As a new member of the Chicago Bears, he supported the Bears team charity, Bears Care, by attending the Bears Care Gala. Trey joined his teammates and donated his time for an auction prize to raise funds for breast and ovarian cancer research. With the team having a young roster this season, Trey has become a role model for his teammates and has immediately began teaching them how to balance football and community giving.

For more on Burton, and to see the video produced about his nomination, click on the NFLPA link above.

And here are the donations that will take place once the winner announced, courtesy of the NFL Foundation, Nationwide and United Way Worldwide.

Five hundred thousand dollars will be donated in the name of the 2018 winner. $250,000 will be donated in his name to expand Character Playbook, the NFL and United Way’s digital character education program. An additional donation of $250,000 will be donated to the charity of his choice. All other 31 nominees will receive a donation of $50,000 in their name to expand Character Playbook, and an additional donation of up to $50,000 to their charity of choice.

Two other players with ties to the Bears were nominated by their respective teams, Julius Peppers by the Carolina Panthers and Robbie Gould by the San Francisco 49ers.