Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons tied a franchise record Tuesday, and it had nothing to do with the number of sacks or tackles he has recorded.
The three-time Pro Bowler was named the team’s winner of the 2025 Walter Payton NFL man of the year award for a third straight year, the first time that has happened in Tennessee since defensive lineman Kevin Carter won the award from 2002-04.
All 32 club winners will be recognized for their achievements during the week leading up to Super Bowl LX this season, and the national winner of the 2025 Walter Payton NFL man of the year award will be announced Feb. 5.
The charitable beneficiary of each team’s winner will receive $40,000, and the nonprofit chosen by the overall national winner will receive $250,000.
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 nominee winner.
The Walter Payton NFL man of the year award is one of the league’s most prestigious honors, recognizing players who excel on the field and demonstrate a commitment to making a positive impact beyond the game.
Simmons founded the “Give Em a Reason Foundation,” which aims to inspire youth empowerment through sport, by way of self-esteem building and opportunity creation as part of his commitment to helping the community.
“A lot of guys on this team do a lot of work out in the community. And for me to be nominated three years in a row, that means so much to me and is truly an honor,” Simmons said in a release. “This award is the biggest award in the NFL, and it just shows no matter what’s happening on the field, our community needs us, and that’s what I see when I see the award. I see the Nashville community. I see the Mississippi community. It’s not just for me; it’s for everyone that I try to impact each and every day through the game of football.”
As part of the work with his foundation, Simmons has partnered with countless non-profits and community engagement programs around Nashville and his hometown of Macon, Miss., such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, Rally on the Runway, Backfield in Motion, Seacrest Studios, MNPS HERO program, Fund Recovery, Reach Unlimited, Noxubee Titans and the Nashville Juvenile Detention Center.
In addition, he hosts an annual Thanksgiving turkey drive, Christmas shopping spree, youth football camp and community day in his hometown.
No Titans player has ever earned the national 2025 Walter Payton NFL man of the year award, which has been handed out since 1970. But quarterback Warren Moon, who played for the Houston Oilers franchise that later moved to Tennessee, did win the award in 1989.