The children’s book “Kelvin’s Big Adventure Map” came out in October, around the time when the author was playing muscle tight end for the Arizona Cardinals.
Kelvin Beachum, now starting at right tackle, has always been about much more than football. His book, based on his life and showing how his NFL career gave him the chance to travel the world, also explains how he has explored new cultures and ways to impact the community.
And the book sales support literacy programs through Donors Choose.
The author, meanwhile, had yet another line on his extensive charitable resumé that has now earned him the honor of being the Cardinals Walter Payton Man of the Year for the second time. Beachum was also chosen in 2021.
“For the book, I didn’t really want to do a book tour,” Beachum said with a smile. “The way to get out of doing a book tour is not to make money on the book, so I was like, ‘Where can I push this money to?’ I’ve got a partner in Donors Choose that this will benefit greatly.
“You start putting the puzzle and pieces together strategically how it will work and be on brand. … It wasn’t about making money, it was about expressing myself in a different way.”
With the honor, Beachum gets a $40,000 donation to his preferred charity, and he will be up for the NFL’s Man of the Year award, which is announced at NFL Honors during Super Bowl week.
Beachum was also named the Jets Man of the Year in 2018.
“I’m grateful I was chosen this time around,” said Beachum, noting there were multiple Cardinals who could have been chosen.
The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is considered the league’s most prestigious honor, recognizing players who not only play well on the field but also commit to making a positive impact beyond the game.