Ted Karras Honored as Bengals’ Nominee for NFL Man of the Year Award
CINCINNATI – For the second time in three years, Ted Karras has been named the Cincinnati Bengals’ nominee for the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. This recognition highlights Karras’s dedication to both his community and the game, particularly his impactful work with the Cincy Hat project.
Cincy Hat Project Makes a Difference
The Cincy Hat initiative, which Karras spearheaded, aims to raise funds for the Village of Merici, an organization committed to providing residential opportunities and vital services for adults with developmental disabilities. Since its inception in November 2022, the Cincy Hat has gained remarkable traction, expanding its offerings beyond just ball caps, and has generated over $3.3 million in sales.
Reflecting on the project’s significance, Karras stated, “The Cincy Hat Foundation means the world to me. None of this would be possible without the incredible people of Cincinnati who continue to show up, support, and believe in our mission. Due to that overwhelming generosity, we’re expanding educational opportunities, increasing independence, and building affordable infrastructure for adults with IDD here at home. I’m proud of what we’ve built and even more excited for what’s ahead.”
The Legacy of the Award
The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award was established in 1970 and renamed in 1999 to honor the late Hall of Fame running back. It recognizes players who excel both on the field and in their communities. Each NFL team nominates one player, and from these nominees, one winner is chosen. Karras expressed his appreciation for the honor, saying, “It’s a humungous honor. It’s a combination of on-field performance, which is the bulk of our job, mixed with obviously off-the-field impact. And to be in a position that I’m in, I’ll never take that for granted. To execute a project that so many people have bought into is so special. I’m also a huge fan of Walter Payton—Sweetness.”
Bengals’ Community Impact
In addition to his nomination, Karras recently participated in a social media charity challenge associated with the award, where Bengals fans rallied to support him, resulting in an extra $35,000 donation to the Village of Merici. This challenge garnered a record-breaking 7.4 million votes, showcasing the community’s commitment to the cause.
The Bengals franchise has a rich history with the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. Three Bengals have previously been honored with this distinction: quarterback Ken Anderson in 1975, linebacker Reggie Williams in 1986, and Hall of Fame offensive tackle Anthony Munoz in 1991. Notably, former Bengals offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth secured the award in 2021 while playing for the Los Angeles Rams, just days before competing against his former team in Super Bowl LVI.
Recent Bengals Nominees
Over the years, several Bengals players have been recognized as nominees for the award, reflecting the team’s commitment to community service:
2024: Orlando Brown Jr.
2023: Ted Karras
2022: Sam Hubbard
2021: Sam Hubbard
2020: Geno Atkins
2019: Giovani Bernard
2018: Carlos Dunlap
2017: Michael Johnson
2016: Andy Dalton
2015: Carlos Dunlap
2014: Vinny Rey
Ted Karras’s nomination underscores not only his contributions on the field but also his profound impact in Cincinnati, embodying the spirit of the NFL Man of the Year Award.
