Greg Olsen, Benjamin Watson and J.J. Watt are the three finalists for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
The prestigious award honors NFL players who have shown not just excellence on the field, but have been leaders in volunteer and charity work.
This year's winner will be revealed during the NFL Honors show the night before Super Bowl 52.
Congratulations to @BenjaminSWatson @gregolsen88 and @JJWatt...
— NFL (@NFL) January 21, 2018
Finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, presented by Nationwide! #WPMOY pic.twitter.com/j9eXbT8JYF
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Olsen and his wife, Kara, founded the HEARTest Yard Fund in 2013 after an exam of their unborn son, T.J., revealed the infant had a congenital heart defect. The couple have not only donated their own money toward pediatric heart equipment and screening, but headline an annual gala that has raised almost $4 million in only three years. The HEARTest Yard Fund unveiled a new cardiac neurodevelopmental program in 2017.
Watson, who missed all of the 2016 season with an Achilles injury, returned this season to haul in 61 passes for 522 yards and four touchdowns. He has been hailed for his work in a variety of charitable efforts, but his One More Foundation supports both existing charities and initiates programs of its own in working to combat human trafficking and violence against the poor. He also hosts the Big BENefit, which offers 25 underserved families an opportunity to provide holiday gifts for their children.
Watt, who has missed most of the past two seasons to injuries, is a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year for the Texans. The defensive end has long been active in charitable causes. He stepped up big in the wake of Hurrican Harvey, which devastated Houston. Starting a fund-raising campaign on social media, he raised more than $37 million in less than three weeks. In addition, his Justin J. Watt Foundation, founded in 2010, has provided more than $3.4 million in funding for youth sports.
"Greg, Benjamin and J.J. have changed countless lives with their generosity and commitment to helping others," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "As remarkable leaders on and off the field, they personify the character of the late Walter Payton. We commend them for using their platforms to leave a positive impact on communities across the country."