He may no longer play for the 49ers, but Arik Armstead is more than deserving of the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
From 2020 through 2023, the San Francisco 49ers regularly named defensive tackle Arik Armstead their nominee for the annual Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, considered the most prestigious individual accolade a player can rececive during the year.
Armstead, who ended up being the Niners' longest-tenured player prior to his 2024 salary cap-related release, didn't receive the honor despite his regular nominations.
Now, following his first season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Armstead is finally recognized for the work he does in the community.
Plenty of San Francisco fans are familiar with Armstead's efforts. Growing up in Northern California in Sacramento, Armstead's charitable works within the state and beyond paralleled his time with the 49ers. Via the Armstead Academic Project, established in 2019, the veteran defensive tackle has striven to provide educational assistance and tools to children across all backgrounds, a campaign that now stretches from NorCal all the way to Duval.
Arik Armstead on receiving Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award
Armstead officially received the award at the 2024 NFL Honors show in advance of the Super Bowl.
Here's what he had to say about receiving the coveted accolade:
"Receiving the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is an incredible honor—one that goes beyond football. This award represents the power of service, the responsibility to uplift others, and the impact we can create through education. Through the Armstead Academic Project, my mission has always been to provide students with the resources they need to succeed. This recognition is a testament to that work, but there's still so much more to do. I'm committed to using my platform to create real change—because the work doesn't stop here."
Related story: Arik Armstead admits he's 'jealous' of Robert Saleh's return to 49ers
Armstead joins defensive tackle Calais Campbell as the lone Jaguars to receive the honor, while the previous 49ers recipient was wide receiver Anquan Boldin, who earned the award in 2015 after his final season in San Francisco.
Well done, Arik.