FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots announced that Hunter Henry has been selected as the team's selection for the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide. The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide is the league's most prestigious honor, recognizing players who excel on the field and demonstrate a commitment to making a positive impact beyond the game.

Henry, now in his 10th NFL season, ranks fifth among active tight ends in touchdowns and sixth in receptions and receiving yards. Since joining New England in 2021, he has been a reliable target and three-time team captain, known for his leadership, toughness, and clutch playmaking. In 2024, he led the Patriots with a career-high 66 receptions for 674 yards. Among tight ends, he currently ranks third in franchise history with 240 receptions.

Off the field, Henry has distinguished himself through his unwavering commitment to service. Inspired by a mission trip to Kenya with his wife, Parker, where they witnessed the work of International Justice Mission (IJM) firsthand, Henry has become a passionate advocate in the fight against human trafficking and slavery worldwide. He has used his platform to raise awareness and funds for IJM's efforts. This year, he wore custom cleats as a part of the NFL's My Cause My Cleats initiative. His cleats were designed by Daniel Nartey from Ghana, a survivor of child labor who now channels his healing through art. Beyond Henry's global advocacy, he has also invested deeply in his community, supporting child sponsorship through Compassion International, organizing bike giveaways, visiting schools, partnering with Special Olympics, and hosting holiday programs for families in need. In 2025, he and Parker launched the inaugural Rally for Rescue ping pong fundraiser, generating more than $316,000 to aid victims of trafficking. In August, his leadership in the community was recognized by Robert Kraft, who presented Henry with the prestigious Patriots Ron Burton Community Service Award.

"We are incredibly proud to have Hunter Henry represent the Patriots as our Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee," said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. "Hunter embodies the values we cherish most; compassion, integrity, and a commitment to serving others. From his global advocacy with the International Justice Mission to his dedication to uplifting families and children here in New England, Hunter has used his platform to make a profound impact. His leadership on the field is matched only by his generosity off it, and we are honored to celebrate him for the difference he continues to make in so many lives. He embodies everything the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award represents."

All 32 club winners will be recognized for their achievements during the week leading up to Super Bowl LX in the Bay Area. The national winner of the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide will be announced during NFL Honors, a primetime awards special airing on Thursday, Feb. 5.

Each of this year's club winners supports a range of causes and initiatives off the field, including uplifting underserved communities, empowering young people to lead healthy lifestyles and many other notable causes. The charitable beneficiary of each team's club winner will receive up to $55,000, and the nonprofit chosen by the overall national winner will receive up to $265,000. All funds are donations courtesy of the NFL Foundation and the Nationwide Foundation.

Fans are once again encouraged to participate in Nationwide's annual Charity Challenge, a social media and online contest that allows fans to show support for their favorite Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year club winner. Fans can vote on X/Twitter by posting #WPMOYChallenge along with the last name/X handle of their chosen player or by voting directly on NFL.com/ManOfTheYear. The charitable beneficiary of the player who receives the most collective hashtag mentions and online votes will win an additional $35,000 donation from Nationwide, with the nonprofit partners of the runner-up and third-place finishers receiving $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. Charity Challenge voting takes place from December 4 through January 5, 2026.

Beginning Week 14 and continuing through the end of the season, each of this year's club winners, including Hunter Henry, will wear a special Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal in recognition of their accomplishments on and off the field.

For more information about the award, please visit NFL.com/ManOfTheYear.