Former Oregon defensive star Arik Armstead continued to excel when he entered the NFL in 2015. Now, the former Duck has been named the 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year and Armstead had some truly inspirational words for the crowd when he accepted the award.
"I believe in humanity," Armstead said during his acceptance speech. "I believe that all of us have the power to be the change in our society."
The Walter Payton Man of the Year award is given to the NFL player who is best committed to philanthropy and impact on their surrounding community, not to mention their success on the football field.
"I believe in humanity. I believe that all of us have the power to be the change in our society." ❤️@arikarmstead with inspiring words during his #WPMOY speech. (By @Nationwide) pic.twitter.com/i5dgI6RjPP
— NFL (@NFL) February 7, 2025
Armstead had been nominated for the award for four consecutive seasons ahead of 2024 but had yet to win the award until Thursday night. In 2019, Armstead and his wife, Melinda, established the Armstead Academic Project which spaces, tools, and support for students from any and all socioeconomic backgrounds.
The defensive end for the Jacksonville Jaguars had a standout season, despite the Jags struggling to find their footing.
Arik Armstead 2024 regular season stats
- 20 total tackles (21 solo, 8 assisted)
- 2 sacks
- 5.5 stuffs
- 3 pass deflections
Every team in the NFL nominates a player who they believe deserves to win the award and each nominee receives $55,000 to go towards a charity of their choice. With the win, Armstead was given a total of $265,000 for the charity of his choosing.
Armstead played for the Oregon Ducks from 2012 through 2014 and was a collegiate powerhouse. He was selected 17th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft. While with the Ducks, Armstead earned 86 total tackles, 4 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.