The Bears have nominated Israel Idonije to be the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.
The award recognizes a player's off-field contributions as well as his efforts on the field. The league award has been around since 1970 and was named after Payton in 1999.
Idonije established the Israel Idonije Foundation to help families and individuals in economically challenged communities in the area and around the world. He has done substantial charitable work in Nigeria and has sponsored scholarships. He also has done charitable work in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and in local communities here.
All 32 finalists receive a check for $1,000 to donate to the charity of their choice. The overall winner will receive a $25,000 donation, and he will be named at a news conference prior to Super Bowl XLIV in Miami.
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