Walter Payton Man of the Year: Bobby Wagner

Bobby Wagner, a 10-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro, was named the 2026 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year at the NFL Honors on Thursday night. Wagner, a veteran linebacker with more than 100 tackles in each of his 14 seasons, was recognized for his community service and on-field excellence. He established the FAST54 Phenia Mae Fund to aid stroke patients and promote stroke education, inspired by the memory of his mother, Phenia Mae Wagner. Additionally, Wagner has been active in social justice reform, mental health advocacy, and entrepreneurship education through his Tackle Everything Tech Tour.

After playing 11 seasons and winning a Super Bowl with the Seahawks, Wagner spent a year with the Rams and has been with the Commanders for the past two seasons. He was a Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee four times before winning the award. The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, first given in 1970, honors an NFL player