:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62988102/DycToBMUYAUXWYz.0.jpg)
Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long was honored with the NFL’s top award on Saturday night, winning the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award among some very impressive competition.
Long has been dedicated to his community near and far, and has inspired those around him to do good with their platforms. For numerous reasons he was deserving of the NFL’s highest honor and considerable charitable donations in his name, and he was quick to show his appreciation for all those who helped him along the way.
[1 of 2] Walter Payton set a tremendous example of what it looks like to succeed on the field while leaving an even bigger legacy off it. I accept this award humbly, and undeservingly join the company of men that have been honored before me. pic.twitter.com/ZZYvbTqCfc
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 3, 2019
[2 of 2] Thank you to everyone — players, friends and fans — who have supported our work to transform communities locally and around the world. If it was not for you guys this would not be possible. @waterboysorg #WPMOY
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 3, 2019
Long’s teammates were quick to congratulate their friend and locker room leader for the much deserved honor.
Congrats to my bro & tag team partner @JOEL9ONE on winning Walter Payton Man of the Year! #wpmoy #underdogs pic.twitter.com/Qxg7Q4CwQ1
— Lane Johnson (@LaneJohnson65) February 3, 2019
S/O to @JOEL9ONE on the much-deserved #WPMOY award! I always tell him that when I grow up, I wanna be just like him! Much love brotha!
— Carson Wentz (@cj_wentz) February 3, 2019
So proud of my brother! It’s truly special when you have a teammate that you look up to and is a true role model for the community! A great night for our @Eagles family https://t.co/3jM1HsNhGL
— Zach Ertz (@ZERTZ_86) February 3, 2019
Huge congrats to @JOEL9ONE on winning #WPMOY . Well deserved
— Brandon Brooks (@bbrooks_79) February 3, 2019
S/O my dawg @JOEL9ONE on the Walter Payton man of the year award! Well deserved bro ur a real one ✊
— Mike Wallace (@Wallace17_daKid) February 3, 2019
MAN OF THE YEAR Shoutout @JOEL9ONE, proud to know you and work alongside you (age adjusted) pic.twitter.com/siMfUoZLxA
— Nelson Agholor (@nelsonagholor) February 3, 2019
You bet white boy!! Congrats @JOEL9ONE #WPMOY
— NG (@NathanGerry) February 3, 2019
And of course the Eagles joined in on the celebration as well.
Us finding out @JOEL9ONE won #WPMOY!#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/F1HdErdGXe
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) February 3, 2019
Chris Long's mission to change the world started with a single climb.#WPMOY | #FlyEaglesFly
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) February 3, 2019
: https://t.co/LxixzPmbcS pic.twitter.com/bLv2OkXYSo
A message from the 2018 @Nationwide #WPMOY to #EaglesEverywhere#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/Yxq17redq7
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) February 3, 2019
His former teammate also sent along a “gratz”, although Long winning the award may make it even harder for Beau Allen to avoid his repeated attempts to get Allen to join him on Mt. Kilimanjaro.
@JOEL9ONE gratz
— Beau Allen (@Beau_Allen) February 3, 2019
Click the link, learn more and considering donating so we can guilt trip Beau Allen into climbing a giant mountain for a great cause. @WaterboysORG @Beau_Allen https://t.co/UTyBgooII7
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) January 29, 2019