- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,190,600
- Reaction score
- 59
New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis fell short in the voting for the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, but that doesn't do anything to diminish his accomplishments. The award went to Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner during the NFL Honors ceremony on Thursday evening. The Walter Payton Man of the Year recognizes achievements both on the field and for outstanding service in their community. It was first established in 1970, then renamed in 1999 to honor former Chicago Bears great running back Walter Payton.
Each NFL team nominates one representative for the award each year, and Demario Davis was the candidate for New Orleans in 2025. Davis has been with the Saints since 2018 and has been nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award three times since joining the organization (in 2020, 2022, and 2025). Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan has equaled that total, getting nominated for the award in 2017, 2021, and 2024. Neither Jordan nor Davis has ever won the award previously, with their old teammate Drew Brees being the only Saints player to be recognized as Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2006.
On the field, Demario Davis had an outstanding season in 2025. He led the Saints with 143 total tackles, the most of his outstanding 14-year career and his ninth straight year with over 100 stops. Additionally, Davis had a half sack, 5 pressures, 6 tackles for loss, 3 passes broken up, and 2 forced fumbles while continuing to be a terrific all-around defender.
Off the field, Davis and wife Tamela continue to be pillars in the New Orleans community and surrounding areas. Among their many achievements, Tamela and Demario founded the Devoted Dreamers Foundation and Academy, put in place to mentor the area youth and provide character building. Even though Davis didn't win the award this year, his impact with the Saints remains special.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Demario Davis misses out on Walter Payton Man of the Year honors
Continue reading...
Each NFL team nominates one representative for the award each year, and Demario Davis was the candidate for New Orleans in 2025. Davis has been with the Saints since 2018 and has been nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award three times since joining the organization (in 2020, 2022, and 2025). Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan has equaled that total, getting nominated for the award in 2017, 2021, and 2024. Neither Jordan nor Davis has ever won the award previously, with their old teammate Drew Brees being the only Saints player to be recognized as Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2006.
On the field, Demario Davis had an outstanding season in 2025. He led the Saints with 143 total tackles, the most of his outstanding 14-year career and his ninth straight year with over 100 stops. Additionally, Davis had a half sack, 5 pressures, 6 tackles for loss, 3 passes broken up, and 2 forced fumbles while continuing to be a terrific all-around defender.
Off the field, Davis and wife Tamela continue to be pillars in the New Orleans community and surrounding areas. Among their many achievements, Tamela and Demario founded the Devoted Dreamers Foundation and Academy, put in place to mentor the area youth and provide character building. Even though Davis didn't win the award this year, his impact with the Saints remains special.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Demario Davis misses out on Walter Payton Man of the Year honors
Continue reading...
