Houston Texans safety Jalen Pitre has been named the team’s nominee for the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, presented by Nationwide. This award is the NFL’s highest honor, celebrating players who excel on the field and demonstrate a deep commitment to their communities. Texans Chair and CEO Cal McNair praised Pitre for his leadership and impact, especially as a hometown player, emphasizing how deserving he is of this recognition. Pitre’s continued dedication to Houston has made a lasting impression, showcasing his passion for giving back.
Pitre’s community work centers around addressing childhood hunger. He is an advocate for Kids’ Meals, a nonprofit organization delivering free, healthy meals to preschool-aged children. Pitre launched the “Feed 5 More” campaign to raise funds for 55,555 meals through $5 incremental donations, a mission that remains active today. His consistent support for this organization highlights his commitment to helping vulnerable families in his community and fighting food insecurity.
Beyond Kids’ Meals, Pitre sponsors the Texans’ Community Huddle Ticket Program, which provides unique game-day experiences for underserved fans. As part of this initiative, Pitre invites his childhood football team, the Stafford Cobras, to every Texans home game, offering them tickets, food vouchers, and parking passes. By creating these opportunities, Pitre not only gives back to his roots but also inspires young athletes to dream big and aim high.
Reflecting on his values, Pitre credited his parents for teaching him the importance of helping others when you have the means to do so. He expressed gratitude for being nominated for such an esteemed award and hopes his actions inspire others to give back. Pitre’s humility and dedication to service illustrate why he is such a deserving candidate for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
As part of the nomination process, each of the 32 NFL nominees will receive up to $55,000 for their chosen charity, with the overall winner earning up to $265,000. Fans can show their support by participating in Nationwide’s Charity Challenge through social media or NFL.com, with voting open until January 6, 2025. The nominee with the most votes will secure an additional $35,000 for their charity. Pitre, with his impactful initiatives, continues to inspire the community both on and off the field.
