Browns Announce Walter Payton Nominee

Ward, an Ohio native and a first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has embraced his role as a team captain this year, showcasing resilience and determination. 

Through his foundation, Make Them Know Your Name (MTKYN), Ward honors his late father, Paul, by promoting heart health education and providing critical resources to the community.

"It's an honor to be nominated the Walter Payton Man of the Year by the Cleveland Browns and get recognized for one of the most prestigious awards in the league through the hard work my family and I are doing with our Make Them Know Your Name Foundation by helping change lives and prevent families from experiencing what we did," said Ward.

This year, Ward worked tirelessly to support House Bill 47, ensuring AEDs and CPR training became mandatory in Ohio schools and community centers. MTKYN also committed $150,000 to equip local organizations with lifesaving AEDs and partnered with Avive Solutions to launch the "AEDs for Youth" initiative. 

These efforts earned Ward recognition as a 2024 Nation of Lifesavers Player Ambassador and Week 7 NFLPA Community MVP.

While the Browns look to finish strong in a challenging season, Ward’s dedication to community service serves as a reminder of the broader impact an athlete can have beyond the game. 

As Cleveland-browns-denzel-ward-community-impact-walter-payton-nominee Cleveland prepares for a rematch against the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14, Ward’s leadership will be critical both on and off the field. The Browns aim to build on past divisional wins and channel Ward’s resilience as they seek to end the season on a high note.