Bengals C Ted Karras has won the fan voting charity challenge portion of the NFL’s annual Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
The main award is given out by the NFL to a player that makes a significant impact in the community, as well as on the field. This player is chosen from a list of 32, with each team having one representative.
While the winner of that is announced prior to the Super Bowl at the NFL Awards, there is a separate branch off, which consists of a winner that is chosen by fan vote. Fans were able to vote on social media and on the NFL’s website, with the player who collects the most votes winning.
The fundraiser started by Karras is called the Cincy Hat project. His hat design, which consists of the word “Cincy” on the front, comes in various colours that represent Cincinnati sports teams. The proceeds from the sales of these hats go to The Village of Merci, a charity in Indianapolis, his hometown, which provides support to adults with developmental disabilities.
By winning the fan vote, Karras receives an additional $35,000 that will go towards this cause. He will also be a finalist to win the main award when it is chosen next month. The winner receives a $250,000 donation made in their name to the charity that they represent.
Modified Homescreen Image Via: All-Pro Reels (CC)