Eagles' Long named Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long received the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award Saturday, given annually to one player who displays excellence on and off the field.

Long donated a quarter of his 2018 salary to youth literacy and educational equity initiatives. Before the season, he climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise money for the funding of clean water in East African communities with his charitable group "Waterboys."

Last year, Long donated every one of his game checks to different charities.

"I am honored to be named the 2018 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year and to join the long line of men who have received this prestigious honor," Long said. "While I am officially accepting this award, we would not be able to accomplish our goals without the support and participation of countless other individuals. I am humbled by the support we have received from my peers who have donated to our various matching-campaigns, the commitment and perseverance displayed by the veterans who have climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro with me each year, and the generosity of our fans who have made vital contributions to our foundation over the years. I am incredibly thankful that football has provided me with a platform to give back and I am proud that so many of my colleagues have decided to use this stage to create positive and impactful change in our local communities and around the world."

The Chris Long Foundation will receive a $250,000 donation to honor his achievement. An additional $250,000 will be donated to United Way in Long's name.

Unlike in previous years, where the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year field was trimmed to three finalists, the league made each team's one nominee an automatic finalist for the award in 2018.

Long, who collected 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles with the Eagles this season, will sport the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year patch on his jersey for the rest of his career.

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