Ask anyone inside Locker room how they feel in one word, and you can expect to hear some overlap and connections.
Leader comes to mind.
“Captain” too.
Hard-working, committed and relentless are some who also fit the mold of the third-year defensive back.
But Man of the Year winner? This is a title that you have to earn among like-minded people and trainers.
Consider the mission accomplished Thursday morning.
Our man of the year 🫡 |
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans)
Pitre was named for the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. The award recognizes players who excel through their community involvement on and off the field.
This is the first time Pitre has been nominated for the award, which comes on the heels of a breakthrough season with the AFC South franchise. His dedication to fieldcraft has carried over into his work in the Great Houston Community.
Ptire, a Stafford graduate just outside of downtown Houston, is an advocate for Kids' Meals Inc., a local nonprofit that provides free, healthy meals to children in need to end the widespread problem of childhood hunger.
Last season, he teamed up with Kids' Meals to lead the Feed 5 More campaign, which continues to this day. Its goal is to raise money to feed 55,555 children through crowdsourcing donations of $5 each.
Just a kid from Stafford, TX making a difference in H-Town 🤘 |
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans)
“Jalen Pitre is a shining example of an exceptional leader on and off the field,” said Cal McNair, chairman and CEO of the Houston Texans. “As our hometown player, we are so proud of the impact he has had in our community and look forward to his continued commitment to H-Town for many years to come. Jalen is incredibly deserving of this honor and we know how much it means to him.”
Pitre is also serving as a sponsor of the Texans' Community Huddle Ticket Program this season, giving people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend an NFL game a unique experience. At every home game, the Stafford Cobras, the youth soccer team that Pitre played as a child, receive tickets, meal vouchers and parking passes at NRG Stadium.
An inspiration on and off the field 🤍
We are proud to announce that Jalen Pitre is our partner Nominated 🤘 |
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans)
“My parents always taught me that if someone was in need and we had the means, we should help,” Pitre said. “I feel blessed to be in this position now and it is my duty to help and bring light to others who need it. I feel great gratitude and appreciation for being selected as a nominee for this award. I hope to continue to inspire and encourage people to help others as much as possible.”
Fans can vote for Pitre on the nfl's official website and through social media using the hashtag #WPMOYChallenge.
Each of the league's 32 nominees will receive a donation of up to $55,000 on their behalf to a charity of their choice, courtesy of the nfl Foundation and the Nationwide Foundation. The winner will be announced at the NFL Honors Show on February 6 and all 32 nominees will be honored during Super Bowl week in New Orleans.
