The New Orleans Saints announced today that defensive end Cameron Jordan has been selected as the team's nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide for the third time in his career. The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is the league's most prestigious honor, recognizing players who excel on-the-field and demonstrate a steadfast commitment to creating a positive impact beyond the game.
"Cam's dedication to this community has been evident since he became part of the Saints family 14 years ago," said Owner Gayle Benson. "His true passion for helping people, especially our youth, shines through in everything he does. Whether on or off the field, Cam gives his full effort. He is a respected ten-year team captain, a devoted husband and father, and a compassionate servant to our community, making him the model Saint. I could not be more proud of Cam and all that he has accomplished."
Jordan has been a fixture both on and off the field for the Saints since being selected with the 24th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft out of the University of California. In 14 seasons, Jordan has played in 221 games with 220 starts and has posted 794 tackles (487 solo), a club-record 118.5 sacks, three interceptions, 66 pass breakups, 15 forced fumbles and 11 fumble recoveries. Jordan has also been selected to eight Pro Bowls, the most by a Saints defender and second-most in team history, three AP All-Pro honors and was voted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame selectors 2010's All-Decade team.
Growing up in a football family, as the son of former Minnesota Vikings tight end Steve Jordan, a member of the Vikings Ring of Honor, Jordan saw firsthand the positive influence that the National Football League and its players can have on a community. Steve Jordan's emphasis on the importance of education and serving youth had a direct effect on his son personally, as well as influencing him to use the same emphasis in community work.
While Jordan has always stepped up to assist the community both financially and with in-kind acts for those in need or during times of crisis, development of the area's youth has always been a priority. The backbone of his extensive community service throughout the year during his entire playing career are school visits with an emphasis on mentoring, motivation, education and physical fitness. By the end of the season, Jordan will have visited over 20 schools on a Monday or a Tuesday. Jordan has also bestowed upon each school a $10,000 donation that provides tangible benefit, whether it's supplies or educational/extracurricular benefits to the students and staff in their quest for achievement and development.
For the long-term benefit of the community, the dutiful defender's "Cam Jordan Foundation" has renewed its mission to create positive change in the lives of children and better the community through resources, youth development initiatives and innovative experiences. Annually, including this year, both through his financial generosity and the personal participation and support of his family, the foundation hosts a youth football camp providing both football and life skills instruction, back-to-school supply giveaways for both students and teachers, a thanksgiving turkey giveaway and a holiday shoe shopping spree.
In the spring, the Cam Jordan Foundation will introduce a college scholarship program to benefit deserving students in Greater New Orleans, with the first recipient scheduled to receive this opportunity for the 2025-26 academic year.
In recognition of his efforts throughout the region off-the-field, the New Orleans Super Bowl LIX Host Committee selected Jordan as one of their Community Champions in September. As a Community Champion, Jordan uses his impact and influence to engage in community programs designed to empower local youth, families, neighborhoods and underrepresented businesses, as Super Bowl LIX seeks to leave the region with a lasting legacy.
"Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the influence and platform my father had off the field as an NFL player," said Jordan. "NFL players have an incredible platform and opportunity to make a positive difference for our youth and underserved communities. It means the world to me to know that I can inspire others through my time, resources, and encouragement. I feel truly blessed to give back to the Greater New Orleans community, which has embraced my family and I with open arms since I was drafted 14 years ago. New Orleans has become our home and I am committed to do whatever I can to make it a better place."
Jordan and the other 31 team nominees will receive $55,000 each to support their charitable initiatives and the league Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award winner will receive up to a $265,000 donation to their charity of choice, made possible by the NFL Foundation and Nationwide Foundation. All 32 nominees will be recognized for their community service during Super Bowl LIX week in New Orleans. The Walter Payton NFL Man of The Year winner will be announced during NFL Honors at the Saenger Theater. The prime time awards special will air on FOX and the NFL Network on Feb. 6.
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 nominee. Fans can vote on X/Twitter by posting #WPMOYChallenge along with the last name/X handle of their chosen nominee or by voting directly on NFL.com/ManOfTheYear. The nominee who receives the most collective hashtag mentions and online votes will win an additional $35,000 donation from Nationwide to the charity of their choice, with the runner-up receiving $10,000 and the third-place winner receiving $5,000. Charity Challenge voting takes place from Thursday, Dec. 5 to Sunday, Jan. 6.
Beginning for the Week 14 contests and continuing through the end of the season, each of this year's nominees, including Jordan starting with Sunday's contest at the New York Giants, 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.
