As a nine-time Pro Bowler and seven-time First All-Pro guard, there aren't many individual awards left for Zack Martin to win.
But the Cowboys managed to add another entry to the 11-year veteran's resume: name him their candidate for 2024 for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
The team surprised Martin with the news this week. What started as a holiday photo shoot with the Martin family sitting around the Christmas tree morphed into Zack, his wife Morgan and their three children opening customized jerseys that revealed his nomination for the league's most prestigious individual award.
Man of the Year ⭐️
We were surprised to inform him that he has been nominated for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by ! Zack demonstrates greatness on the field and in our communities.
🔄Repost to vote! ➡️
– Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys)
Each season, each of the 32 NFL teams nominates a player for the award, which is designed to recognize commitment to philanthropy and community service as well as outstanding performance on game day. Among the other nominees this year are Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, Lions quarterback Jared Goff, Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
Martin, 34, has long been active in organizations such as the Salvation Army, the National Medal of Honor Museum and various charities that benefit first responders, local families in need and hospitalized children.
A panel of judges including Commissioner Roger Goodell, 2023 winner Cameron Heyward and former nfl players will select this year's honoree. The announcement will be made at nfl Honors on February 6th.
quarterback Dak Prescott won the award in 2022. He was the fourth Cowboys player to receive this honor, joining tight end Jason Witten (2012), quarterback Troy Aikman (1997) and quarterback Roger Staubach (1978).
Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence was the Cowboys' candidate last year.
Martin and the league's other 31 nominees this year will wear honorary helmet stickers for the remainder of the 2024 season. The winner is traditionally recognized on the field during a pregame ceremony at the Super Bowl; He will receive a $250,000 donation in his name to a charity of his choice and will wear a special uniform badge for the remainder of his playing career.
