Vikings defensive tackle Harrison Phillips has been named the team’s nominee for the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. The annual accolade recognizes the player that best exemplifies commitment to philanthropy and community impact, as well as his excellence on the field.

That has been a calling card for Phillips since the Buffalo Bills selected him in 2018. He established the Harrison’s Playmakers program, which supports children and young adults with developmental differences and needs, and has watched it grow on a large scale since it’s inception.

Though he started the endeavor in upstate New York while playing for the Bills earlier in his career, Phillips brought the same fervor for giving back to Minnesota when he signed with the Vikings in 2022. He also has a group of Harrison Playmakers in his hometown of Omaha, Neb.

“It is very humbling to be selected as the Vikings 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee,” Phillips said in a release, “The support my teammates have shown since beginning my foundation’s work in Minnesota is remarkable. Blessed is an understatement. On a team filled with so many guys doing so many good things in their communities, for them to give me their vote means so much. To represent the Vikings organization, Harrison’s Playmakers, including individuals with developmental differences and special needs, and of course the great state of Minnesota with this nomination is truly an honor.”

As a nominee, Phillips will wear a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal. Each nominee will also receive up to a $55,000 donation to the charity of his choice with the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year winner receiving a $250,000 donation.

All of the 32 nominees leaguewide will be recognized for their achievements during the week leading up to Super Bowl LVIII. The 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year winner will be announced during NFL Honors on Feb. 8.

“We are extremely proud of Harrison and his wife, Shae, for the immediate impact they have made in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area,” Vikings co owner Mark Wilf said in a release “With his work through Harrison’s Playmakers and with many local organizations, Harrison is an incredible role model to his teammates and pushes those around him to serve and inspire others.”

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