Packers Calendar: Aaron Rodgers Recognized as Walter Payton Man of the Year Finalist

The Packers quarterback will appear at a press conference from the site of the Super Bowl.

PHOENIX—One year ago, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers spent the Friday before the Super Bowl receiving the Bart Starr Award, given annually to a player that exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, community and on the field by Athletes in Action.

This year, Rodgers hasn't won anything yet, but he will be recognized as a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award that honors a player's community service as well as on-field excellence, given by the NFL annually since 1970.

Rodgers will appear at a press conference from the site of Super Bowl XLIX in Arizona at the Phoenix Convention Center between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. CT. NFL Network will be covering the event, but there's been no word if they'll be airing it live.

The other finalists are Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis, although the winner won't be announced until Saturday at the fourth annual NFL Honors awards show, televised on NBC.

If Rodgers wins, he would receive a $50,000 donation in his name to a charity of his choice from the NFL Foundation and Nationwide. The two additional finalists will receive $10,000 donations in their names.

Finalists are chosen from a group of 32 nominees, one representing each NFL team.

The selection panel is comprised of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, Connie Payton, Pro Football Hall of Fame members Frank Gifford and Anthony Muñoz, 2013 winner Charles Tillman and Sports Illustrated football writer Peter King.

In addition to his MVP caliber season, Rodgers has volunteered his time to numerous charitable organizations, including the MACC Fund (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer), ItsAaron.com and Make-A-Wish.

“I have always felt that it is a responsibility to use your platform to make a difference in people’s lives, and as professional athletes we have the opportunity to have a very wide reach in making an impact with the platform we have been given,” Rodgers said. “I have been fortunate enough to work with some amazing organizations that are doing some incredible work. I realize that my involvement can give those organizations a little help, but the work that they do stands alone, and I am just happy to stand next to them.”

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