Walter Payton Award 2024 Nominees. Johnson looks to become the fifth bears'.  — pittsburgh steelers defensive tackle cameron heyward has been selected as the 2023 walter payton nfl man of the year.

Technically, the first winner of the award was baltimore colts quarterback johnny unitas in 1970. The nfl announced the 32 nominees for the walter payton nfl man of the year award presented by nationwide.