Ultimate underdog Kurt Warner as a champion for opportunity

Before he became a Hall of Famer, a Super Bowl champion with the St. Louis Rams, and the 2008 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, all Kurt Warner needed was a chance. An opportunity. Now, he brings those opportunities to those who need it most. And he wants us all to watch as they show what they're capable of doing.

In his 1993 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction speech, Walter Payton recognized the impact we all can have on each other's lives. And the legacy of the 1977 NFL Man of the Year lives on through the actions and service of all the winners of that award which now bears his name, including Derrick Brooks, Kurt Warner, Marty Lyons, Troy Vincent, and Warrick Dunn.

When he was just 18 years old, Warrick Dunn's mother lost her life in an ambush. He was forced to become a single parent to his younger brothers and sisters. That experience drives the 2004 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year to help single parents with down-payment assistance and furnishings to set a foundation that truly supports families. It's not a handout -- it's a "hand up" to individuals who are trying to help themselves.

Growing up in the city of Trenton taught Troy Vincent tough but important lessons. And the character it developed in the 2002 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year continues to push him to give back to his community and empower those closest to its issues to find solutions. His actions certainly speak louder than words as he leaves his legacy beyond the football field.

As a member of the New York Sack Exchange, Marty Lyons gave Jets fans a reason to cheer his work on the field. Off the field, the 1984 NFL Man of the Year works even harder to give kids who are facing terminal illnesses the courage to wish for more.

The Pro Football Hall of Famer, Super Bowl champion, and 2000 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award-winner believes that education is the foundation for future success. And when his head coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tony Dungy, didn't spend any time in his first team meeting talking about winning football games, he found his purpose.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead presents his speech after winning the 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year award at the 14th annual NFL Honors.

Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton reacts to being nominated for Broncos' Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee.

The NFL and Nationwide recognize this year's 32 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award nominees for doing so much more than delivering greatness on the field.

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward is joined on the field of Super Bowl LVIII with the family of Walter Payton and all 32 nominees of the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide is the league's most prestigious honor, recognizing players whose excellence transcends the field to leave lasting impacts on their communities. This year's 2023 Kansas City Chiefs nominee is quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes has dedicated himself to making a profound impact on the lives of children through his foundation, 15 and The Mahomies. The winner will be announced at this year's NFL Honors on February 8, 2024.

The Chicago Bears present defensive lineman Justin Jones as the team's 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee.

The Giants' 2023 nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide is running back Saquon Barkley, whose community service initiatives include the Covenant House of New Jersey - providing care, and hope, to young people facing homelessness.

Safety Derwin James Jr. shares what it means to be Los Angeles Chargers' Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee.

Fullback Alec Ingold shares what it means to be Miami Dolphins' Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee.

Chicago Bears defensive tackle Justin Jones joins 'The Insiders' to discuss Walter Payton Man of the Year nomination.

The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide is the league's most prestigious honor, recognizing players whose excellence transcends the field to leave lasting impacts on their communities. This year's 2023 Steelers nominee is lineman Cam Heyward. His sixth nomination reflects his tireless work in Pittsburgh - including an extremely personal initiative that honors the memory of his late father. The winner of the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide will be announced at this year's NFL Honors on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. The nominees and winner will also be honored on-field and in broadcast prior to the start of Super Bowl LVIII on February 11th.

It's considered the league's most prestigious honor: the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide. Here are the 32 nominees for this year, each of whom has strived to represent the values of respect, integrity, resiliency, and responsibility on and off the field.

The winner of the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide will be announced at this year's NFL Honors on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. The nominees and winner will also be honored on-field and in broadcast prior to the start of Super Bowl LVIII on February 11th.

The Washington Commanders present wide receiver Terry McLaurin as the team's 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee.

The San Francisco 49ers present Arik Armstead as the team's 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee.

The Tennessee Titans present defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons as the team's 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee.

The New York Giants present running back Saquon Barkley as the team's 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee.

The Pittsburgh Steelers present defensive end Cam Heyward as the team's 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee.

The Los Angeles Rams present wide receiver Cooper Kupp as the team's 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee.

The New England Patriots present cornerback Jonathan Jones as the team's 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee.