Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year:Williams has been named

Announced during Sunday's Super Bowl pregame festivities, Minnesota Vikings S Madieu Williams has been named the 2010 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. One of three finalists for the award that recognizes a player's off-the-field community service as well as his playing excellence, Williams is only the second Viking to win the award since its inception in 1970 and the first since WR Cris Carter earned the honor in 1999. Williams, currently in the Persian Gulf visiting U.S. service members, will receive $20,000 toward his favorite charity.

"It is a tremendous honor to win this award named after Walter Payton, one of the greatest men to ever play in the National Football League," said Williams. "I'm sorry I couldn't be there to accept the award, but it's an even greater honor to be here in Iraq with Task Force Iron Horse on a goodwill tour watching the Super Bowl with our troops."