Peanut Finalist for Payton Man of the Year Award................

Bears' Tillman a finalist for Walter Payton Man of Year Award

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/...0-22143506.jpg Charles Tillman celebrates his interception return for a touchdown in the second quarter against Minnesota. (Brian Cassella / Tribune Photo)

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/...7-29215540.jpg Charles Tillman in action



8:03 p.m. CST, January 22, 2012

NEW YORK -- Bears cornerback Charles Tillman, Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers and Ravens center Matt Birk are finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.

The award will be presented Feb. 4 in Indianapolis, when The Associated Press announces the winners of its annual NFL honors, including Most Valuable Player.

The only league award that recognizes a player's community service as well as his playing excellence, the Walter Payton winner will have a $20,000 donation made in his name to his favorite charity.

Rivers, Birk and Tillman were chosen from among the 32 team nominees, all of whom receive a $1,000 donation to the charity of their choice. The three finalists will receive an additional $5,000 donation in their name.

The selection panel includes NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, former Commissioner Paul Tagliabue and Connie Payton, widow of the Hall of Fame running back.

Nice tribute for Peanut. Seems like quite a few Bears players get nominated for this award.

I was surprised i didn't see a thread yesterday. I hope he wins.

I wonder if Connie has any bias towards Bears players. :thumb: