Jordan Love’s Community Commitment Shines as He Earns Man of the Year Nomination
Green Bay, Wis. – The NFL has officially recognized Jordan Love as the Green Bay Packers’ nominee for the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, a title that embodies the essence of excellence both on and off the field. This award stands as the league’s highest honor, saluting players who not only perform at a high level but also make meaningful contributions to their communities.
A Foundation Built on Giving Back
For Love, the creation of the Hands of 10ve Foundation was never about accolades; rather, it stems from a deep-rooted desire to give back. “I think it’s one of those things where I’ve been trying to do a lot of give-back work and do stuff with my foundation, and it’s something that came along with it,” Love shared during an interview. “Being here now, it’s a cool award to be nominated for.”
As he enters his third season as the Packers’ starting quarterback and his sixth in the NFL, Love’s evolution—both as a player and a person—has been notable. His head coach, Matt LaFleur, emphasized Love’s character, stating, “First of all, I think he’s a tremendous human being. He was definitely raised the right way. He has a great support system with his family.” LaFleur also highlighted Love’s growth from a rookie to a community leader, underscoring the positive impact he has had on the lives of many in Green Bay.
Using His Platform for Change
While professional athletes often enjoy fame and fortune, Love recognizes that the true reward lies in the ability to effect change. He actively engages with the youth in his hometown of Bakersfield, California, and in Milwaukee, hosting football camps that inspire the next generation. This season, with 19 touchdown passes to his name, he is committed to donating new cleats to 38 youth sports teams—split evenly between his two communities—through his 10ve for Cleats Campaign.
In a heartwarming initiative, Love recently organized a shopping spree for a group of children, reflecting his belief in the importance of giving back. “That’s always a part of being an NFL player,” he remarked. “It’s fun to be able to give back and be able to impact people’s lives.”
Balancing Pressure with Purpose
As a quarterback, Love navigates the intense pressures of the position, yet he remains dedicated to his philanthropic efforts. When asked why he prioritizes community service amidst the demands of his career, he shared, “I just think it’s cool. It’s the platform we have and where we’re at in life to be able to give back, especially to the youth and kids that are coming up.”
His commitment to community work is not only fulfilling for him but also positively influences those around him. “The feedback I’ve got from people who’ve done camps, done different things through the foundation, it’s all good stuff and stuff I want to keep doing,” he added.
Engaging Fans in Philanthropy
In conjunction with his nomination, Nationwide’s annual Walter Payton Man of the Year Charity Challenge is currently underway, allowing fans to participate in supporting their favorite nominees. Voting is accessible online at NFL.com/manoftheyear until January 5. Fans can also boost Love’s standing by using the hashtag #WPMOYChallenge, ensuring they specify his name to differentiate him from other nominees.
“Each of these 32 men represents the best of the NFL, and the incredible contributions they make to their teams and communities every day continue to keep Walter’s legacy alive,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, emphasizing the significance of the award.
In a memorable moment, the Packers revealed Love’s nomination with a special announcement featuring some notable figures, highlighting the honor and pride associated with this recognition in the league.
As Love continues to excel on the field, his impact off the field resonates even more profoundly, showcasing the heart and dedication that define not only a great player but a true leader in the community.
