The New England Patriots have officially named tight end Hunter Henry as their nominee for the 2025 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, putting him among the 32 NFL players competing for the league’s most respected honor for off-field excellence. The award recognizes players who perform at a high level on the field while also showing a deep commitment to making a positive and lasting difference in their communities.
Since arriving in New England in 2021, Henry has been one of the Patriots’ most dependable offensive options and has earned the role of team captain three times. Now in his 10th NFL season, he ranks fifth among active tight ends in touchdown catches and sixth in receptions and receiving yards. He posted a career-best 66 catches for 674 yards in the 2024 season, leading the team. His 240 receptions also place him third all-time among Patriots tight ends. Beyond his production, Henry is widely respected within the locker room for his leadership, resilience, and ability to deliver in crucial moments.
Hunter Henry’s Leadership Extends Beyond Football
Henry has also become a standout figure in the New England community thanks to his strong commitment to service. Over the years, he has taken part in child sponsorship initiatives through Compassion International, given away bikes, visited schools, worked with Special Olympics, and organized holiday support programs for families facing hardship.
This year, he and his wife, Parker, held the first-ever Rally for Rescue ping-pong charity event, raising more than $316,000 to support trafficking survivors. In recognition of his community work, the Patriots honored him with the Ron Burton Community Service Award in August.
The couple have also become global advocates after witnessing firsthand the work of the International Justice Mission (IJM) on a mission trip several years ago. Since then, Henry has been a strong voice in the fight against human trafficking and modern slavery, helping spread awareness and fundraising for IJM’s efforts worldwide.
During New England’s recent 33–15 win over the New York Giants, Henry participated in the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative by wearing custom cleats designed by Daniel Nartey of Ghana, a survivor of child labor whose story gained attention through Sports Illustrated.
Patriots chairman and CEO Robert Kraft praised Henry in a statement released on Patriots.com, saying:
“We are extremely proud to have Hunter Henry represent us as our Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee. He reflects the core values we hold dear—compassion, integrity, and service. From his global advocacy with IJM to his efforts supporting children and families in New England, Hunter has used his platform to create meaningful change. His impact off the field matches his leadership on it, and we are honored to recognize him for everything he continues to do. He truly represents what the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is all about.”
The winner of the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, presented by Nationwide, will be announced on February 5 during the NFL Honors broadcast, held in Santa Clara, California, the host city of Super Bowl LX.
