The NFL announced on Wednesday the 32 nominees for the 2016 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. The Philadelphia Eagles proudly present Jon Dorenbos as their choice for the accolade.
Dorenbos, who endured the murder of his mother by his father at a young age, took up magic to help ease his mind through the tough times. The Pro Bowl long snapper has been a magician and motivational speaker for years, but earned national acclaim this year with his performances on America's Got Talent and The Ellen Show. Dorenbos has worked with foster care and domestic abuse groups to provide help to those in need.
"Every day I try to make it a goal to not only affect my life, but affect everyone around me," Dorenbos said. "I feel that when I was a kid I experienced life in a way that I don't ever want to experience again. I've seen the darkest of dark. I've walked the road to hell. And I've come out of it and seen the light."
Three finalists from the initial list of 32 nominees will be announced in January. The 2016 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award will be presented at the NFL Honors event on the eve of Super Bowl LI in Houston on February 4, 2017.
Eagles Hall of Fame members Harold Carmichael (1980) and Troy Vincent (2002) are the two members of the franchise who have been previous recipients of the distinction.
