Haverford's Jason Kelce Gets NFL Man of the Year Nomination

HAVERFORD, PA — The Philadelphia Eagles' longtime center Jason Kelce has been nominated for the NFL's prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

Kelce, who resides in Haverford, is among 32 NFL players to get nods for the award, which honors players' volunteer and charity work, as well as excellence on the field.

An Ohio native, Kelce went to the University of Cincinatti before being drafted by the Eagles in 2011.

With the Birds, Kelce has earned a Super Bowl title, First-Team All-Pro status, the Built Ford Tough Offensive Line of the Year, and Pro-Bowl status.

Off the field, Kelce has championed the Eagles Autism Foundation and Eagles Autism Challenge. His wife Kylie is an autism support teacher, according to the team.

Kelce has spent time working with the Eagles Charitable Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House, Bringing Hope Home, and Liberty USO.

"To be named the Eagles' Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year is an incredible honor," Kelce said. "I've been blessed to come to work every day for the past 11 years doing what I love for a team and city that means the world to me. The Eagles organization is family and this city is home. It's a humbling experience to be recognized alongside men around the league who are making a difference in their communities."

Despite being an Ohioan, Kelce has been embraced thoroughly by the Eagles community, and solidified his status as a Philly legend upon delivering an electric speech on the Philadelphia Art Museum steps at the Eagles Super Bowl Parade.

"Jason is the ultimate pro who has solidified his rightful place as one of the most beloved athletes in the great sports history of Philadelphia," Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie said. "Jason is a leader on and off the field who relentlessly attacks life with a tenacious sense of loyalty, selflessness, and grit. He pours his heart and soul into the game and does it all for his team, this city, and our fans. Away from the game, Jason has become a passionate advocate for autism awareness and research through the Eagles Autism Foundation and has dedicated his time to assisting various organizations and nonprofits in need."

Kelce and the 31 other nominees will receive up to a $40,000 donation in their name to their charity of choice. The winner of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award will receive a $250,000 donation to the charity of their choice. All donations are courtesy of the NFL Foundation and Nationwide.

See the full list of nominees here.