Vikings defensive tackle Harrison Phillips has been named the team's 2023 nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
Each year, all 32 teams nominate one player who has "not only exhibited excellence on the field, but also whose passion to impact lives extends beyond the game and has led them to leave positive legacies in their communities." The winner of one of the league's most prestigious awards is announced during NFL Honors leading up to the Super Bowl.
Phillips, who is in his second season with the Vikings, has a long-standing reputation as one of the more community-dedicated players in the NFL. He started his Harrison's Playmakers program — "which supports children and young adults with developmental differences and needs" — during his time with the Buffalo Bills. The organization has chapters in Buffalo, Minnesota, and his hometown of Omaha.
"It is very humbling to be selected as the Vikings' 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee,” Phillips said, via the Vikings. "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."
Phillips, who grew up in a family that operated a daycare for children with disabilities, was previously the Bills' Man of the Year nominee in 2020 and 2021. Harrison's Playmakers hosts camps and various other events. Phillips also participates in a wide range of other community efforts during the offseason and on Tuesdays during the season.
As the Vikings' nominee, Phillips will receive a $55,000 charitable donation from the NFL and Nationwide. The eventual winner of the award receives a $250,000 donation. There's also a charity challenge on social media where fans can post "#WPMOYChallenge along with the 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 votes will win an additional $35,000 donation from Nationwide."
"We are extremely proud of Harrison and his wife, Shae, for the immediate impact they have made in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area,” said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf in a statement. “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. We appreciate his endless dedication to our community and are thrilled to nominate him for this prestigious honor."
On the field, Phillips has started all 12 games this season and served as a key cog in the middle of a defense that ranks in the top ten in numerous metrics.
Previous Vikings WPMOY nominees include Adam Thielen (2022), Anthony Barr (2021), Eric Kendricks (2020), Kyle Rudolph (2017-19), and Chad Greenway (2016). Madieu Williams (2010) and Cris Carter (1999) are the franchise's only winners of the award.
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