WR Lance Moore has been named the New Orleans Saints 2012 Man of the Year and the Saints have nominated him for the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
The Walter Payton Man of the Year award is given annually by the National Football League honoring a player's volunteer and charity work as well as his excellence on the field.
"It's a great honor," said Moore. "Community service is very important to my teammates and I and it's something I enjoy doing. I take a lot of pride in the work I do on and off the field."
Moore has been an extraordinary asset in the New Orleans community and across the Gulf Coast. Since joining the black and gold, Moore's altruistic demeanor has shined at any event he has participated in during his time in the Crescent City.
The Lance Moore Community Cares Program is dedicated to strengthening the community both now and for future generations and is committed to helping people to help themselves and those around them, in hopes of leading productive and satisfying lives. It serves disadvantaged children and families who are in need of financial, educational and communal assistance.
Moore was recently awarded the 2012 United Way Hope Award for his commitment to the community.
He is the spokesperson for the Saints Copeland's Kids Club as well as the Saints Keep Gym in Schools promotion, and is a Play 60/Got Milk Ambassador. Other endeavors include his foundation's toy drive, Football Camp for Her Breast Cancer Awareness Program, Football Camp for Kids and Home Runs for Kids Celebrity Softball Game.
A proven veteran, Moore plays a prominent role in the Saints wideout rotation. A study in perseverance, his career took flight in 2007 after spending the majority of his first two seasons on the practice squad. Moore has also served as a punt returner and kick returner.
For his career, the versatile performer has 296 receptions for 3,605 yards with 34 touchdowns which ranks fifth in club record books, in addition to two carries for seven yards and another score. Moore has also returned 18 kickoffs for 354 yards and 45 punts for 387 yards.
About the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award
Prior to 1999, the award was called simply the NFL Man of the Year Award. Shortly after Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton died (having been the 1977 recipient himself), the award was renamed to honor his legacy as a humanitarian. Each year, a winner is selected from 32 nominees from the 32 different teams. A panel of judges, which includes the Commissioner of the NFL, Connie Payton (widow of Walter Payton), the previous year's winner, and a number of former players, selects the winner of the award. The Man of the Year winner receives a $25,000 donation in his name to a charity of his choice. The other 31 finalists also receive donations in their name of $1,000 each to charities of their choice. Drew Brees was a co-recipient of the award in 2006.
