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The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award nominees were unveiled earlier this week, with DeMarcus Lawrence on the shortlist.
Lawrence will be looking to help the Dallas Cowboys claim the award on consecutive occasions.
Throughout his career, the 31-year-old has dedicated his time off the field to supporting people that are experiencing homelessness around the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond.
It’s his first nomination for the award since 2014, when the Carolina Panthers Thomas Davis won.
Over the years, Lawrence has participated in numerous community initiatives, including celebrating Father’s Day at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
In addition to that, he’s been making financial contributions to the Questlove Hip Hop Brunch for Creative Solutions Program, donating $7,500 through a WSS Shoe store grand opening event.
He also raised nearly $20,000 at his annual Cars & Cause event.
His outreach with the Thriving Minds after-school program provides that non-profit organization with contributions of clothing and shoes.
Lawrence also volunteers his time taking part in the “Reading Makes You a Super Hero” event, where he reads to youngsters.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys defensive end donated $5,000 worth of outfits to South Oak Cliff High School students in time for the holidays.
Recently, he joined Dak Prescott in presenting families from The Salvation Army and North Crowley High School with holiday presents and decoration bundles.
Earlier this week, Prescott surprised Lawrence with the announcement.
He (Lawrence) is in year 10 of his NFL career, all with the Dallas Cowboys.
“I’m proud I can represent the Cowboys and my family,” Lawrence said. “It’s such an honor. I mean, next thing now is to win it, man. Keep doing what I’m doing in the community, spreading love. That’s what it’s all about.”
“I really pride myself on my integrity.”
“Just doing the right thing when nobody is looking. I preach that to my family each and every day. That’s just the standard I want to live by. Definitely going to keep doing what I’m doing. It doesn’t matter who’s watching. Just me as a person.”
The award, named after the late Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton, recognizes an NFL player excelling on the field while demonstrating a passion for creating a lasting positive impact beyond the game.
Four Cowboy players have won the award in past years, all of which feature on the offensive side of the ball.
Quarterback Roger Staubach took home the award in 1978, Troy Aikman won in 1997, Jason Witten became the first tight end to win in 2012, while Prescott won it a year ago.
A Lawrence victory would mark the first time a defensive player received that honor since Calais Campbell during his days at defensive end with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019.
If the Cowboys defender wins, it will only be the second time in NFL history that a member of the same team wins the award in consecutive seasons.
The only previous time that occurred was in 1972 and 73 when the Kansas City Chiefs Willie and Len Dawson, respectively, won the award.