Joshua Morgan Selected as Redskins’ Walter Payton Man of the Year

The Washington Redskins have announced the selection of Joshua Morgan as the team’s 2012 Walter Payton Man of the year. The prestigious award is an annual honor recognizing players’ off-the-field charitable work, in addition to on field success.

Seeing it first hand, Morgan is well deserving of this honor. The D.C native was signed in free agency prior to last season and vowed to be a consistent contributor to the Washington Redskins’ foundation. Morgan kept his promise.

Throughout the 2012 season, Morgan participated in multiple Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation community events including flag football clinics, Read Across Prince George’s County events and speaking at 4^th & Life, a program for high school athletes on how to be successful on the field, in the classroom and in the workplace. He also participated in the Pediatric Halloween Party held at Georgetown University Hospital, he passed out winter clothes to underserved D.C. area children at Covered for the Holidays and handed out toys to youth in need at the Skins Santa Shoppe.

Morgan  will receive a $1,000 donation for his designated charity, the Beacon House. The charity aims to assist at-risk children and youth to identify and pursue their educational objectives.

“The way I was raised, they always told me that God’s going to bless you with a lot of things,” Morgan said about why he gives back and gets involved with helping the youth from his community. “So, it’s up to you to bless people with all the blessings that he blessed you with.”

The prestigious award was renamed in 1999 for legendary Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton. The award has been given annually since 1970.

Past Redskins winners of the Walter Payton Man of the Year include: Lorenzo Alexander, 2010-11; London Fletcher, 2008-2009 (selected as NFL finalist in 2009); Rocky McIntosh, 2007; Renaldo Wynn, 2006; Shawn Springs, 2005; Chris Cooley, 2004; Darnerian McCants, 2003; Eddie Mason, 2002; Chris Samuels, 2001; Darrell Green, 1996 (won the national award); and Joe Theismann, 1982 (won the national award).