Harrison Phillips has been named the Vikings’ 2023 captain. Nomination for Walter Payton Man of the Year

Harrison Phillips, a Vikings defensive tackle, has been selected the team’s nomination for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2023.

Every year, each of the 32 clubs nominates one player who “not only exhibited excellence on the field, but also whose passion to impact lives extends beyond the game and has led them to leave positive legacies in their communities.” The recipient of one of the league’s most prestigious honors is announced during NFL Honors, which takes place in the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl.

Phillips, who is in his second season with the Vikings, has a long history of being one of the NFL’s most community-minded players. During his time with the Buffalo Bills, he founded the Harrison’s Playmakers program, which “supports children and young adults with developmental differences and needs.” Chapters of the group can be found in Buffalo, Minnesota, and his hometown of Omaha.

“It is very humbling to have been selected as the Vikings’ 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee,” Phillips stated, according to the Vikings. “The support my teammates have shown me since I started working with my foundation in Minnesota has been incredible.” To say I’m grateful is an understatement. On a team filled with so many guys doing so much good in their communities, their vote means so lot to me. With this nomination, I am honored to represent the Vikings organization, Harrison’s Playmakers, including those with developmental difficulties and special needs, and, of course, the beautiful state of Minnesota.”

Phillips, who grew up in a family that ran a daycare for disabled children, was previously nominated for Bills Man of the Year in 2020 and 2021. Harrison’s Playmakers organizes camps and other events. During the offseason and on Tuesdays during the season, Phillips also participates in a variety of other community activities.

Phillips will receive a $55,000 charitable award from the NFL and Nationwide as the Vikings’ nominee. The recipient of the prize will receive a $250,000 contribution. There is also a social media charity challenge where fans can post “#WPMOYChallenge along with the name/X handle of their chosen nominee” or vote directly on NFL.com/ManOfTheYear. The nominee with the most hashtag mentions and votes will receive an additional $35,000 gift from Nationwide.”

“We are extremely proud of Harrison and his wife, Shae, for the immediate impact they have made in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area,” stated Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf. “Harrison is an incredible role model to his teammates and pushes those around him to serve and inspire others through his work with Harrison’s Playmakers and many local organizations.” We admire his unwavering commitment to our community and are honored to recommend him for this prestigious award.”

On the field, Phillips has started all 12 games this season and has been an important cog in the heart of a defense that is in the top 10 in a variety of categories.

Adam Thielen (2022), Anthony Barr (2021), Eric Kendricks (2020), Kyle Rudolph (2017-19), and Chad Greenway (2016) are among previous Vikings WPMOY nominees. Only Madieu Williams (2010) and Cris Carter (1999) have won the prize for the franchise.