In one of the least surprising pieces of news to come out of the NFL, Buffalo Bills veteran linebacker Lorenzo Alexander has once again been named Buffalo’s nominee for the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year honor.
A leader on the playing field, Alexander dons the game-day “C” on his jersey with pride each week as one of the captains of the Bills. Alexander’s charitable efforts, along with his outstanding play on the field, earned him recognition as the team’s nominee for Man of the Year, an honor awarded to an NFL player who demonstrates a commitment to community service activities off the field while playing at a high level on the field.
It’s the third year in a row Alexander has been honored, and the fifth time in his NFL career.
Alexander, a 13-year veteran out of the University of California, is one of the most respected leaders in the Bills’ locker room. He has appeared in all 13 games (seven starts), amassing 44 tackles (27 solo, 17 assisted) with two sacks and four tackles for a loss. He has also forced one fumble and has nine pass breakups.
Off the field, Alexander founded the ACES foundation, which promotes a healthy mind and body through sports while supporting accountability, education, and community mindedness in youth. He’s very active in the local community, and raised money for the Make LemonAide Foundation for cerebral palsy with 26 Shirts. Alexander also has been involved as a mentor to the members of the South Park High School football program in Buffalo, offering up life skills workshops to players while also providing school supplies and football equipment. From time to time, Alexander has even given players rides to practice.
Alexander has also played a large role in the Bills’ outreach efforts through initiatives like the Play 60 Challenge, the Hometown Huddle, Crucial Catch, NFL Flag, Salute to Service, Touchdown for Teachers, and more.
Alexander is also Buffalo’s nominee for the annual Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award for the second time in the last three years.
Alexander is up against 31 other team nominees for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. The winner will be announced Feb. 1 at the NFL Honors celebration on the eve of Super Bowl XLIV in Miami, FL.
The winner will be able to designate $250,000 towards the charity of his choice, while the other 31 nominees will have a $50,000 donation made in their names to their preferred charity. All donations are courtesy of the NFL Foundation and Nationwide.