Jaguars linebacker Akin Ayodele is one of 32 finalists for the 2003 title of Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, the only league award that honors off-the-field community service as well as playing excellence.
One finalist has been nominated from every team, with all 32 players having demonstrated an outstanding balance in their lives between civic and professional responsibilities.
The winner will be announced January 30 during NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue's annual news conference prior to Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston. The winner will receive $25,000 to donate to his selected charity. Each finalist will receiving a $1,000 contribution toward a charity of his choice.
