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Brees, Tomlinson share Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award

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Miami, FL (The Sports Network) - New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson were named co-winners of the Walter Payton Man of the Year award on Friday.

Brees passed for an NFL-best 4,418 yards and led the NFC with 26 touchdown passes and a 96.2 passer rating as the Saints won their first division title in six years.

Off the field, he helped in the rebuilding efforts in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, partnering with teammate Deuce McAllister to help rebuild the NFL Youth Education Town and Pan American Football Field.

His other charitable endeavors include sponsoring the Drew Brees Gridiron Classic, which allows youth teams to play on the Superdome field at halftime of a Saints game, and hosting an annual golf tournament to support San Diego Children's Hospital and Cancer Research.

Tomlinson set NFL records for touchdowns (31), points scored (186) and topped the league with 1,815 rushing yards as the Chargers claimed the AFC West crown.

"I am honored to receive this award because it's named after a man who had a tremendous impact on me growing up," said Tomlinson, who bested former teammate Brees to win the NFL's MVP award this season. "I idolized and wanted to be like Walter Payton when I was growing up."

Tomlinson provides Chargers game tickets to local children in San Diego and also treats them to a post-game dinner, where the kids are given school supplies, books and games. He also put his name on a scholarship fund to help 25 college-bound students and has established an offseason camp for children that stresses character building and goal-setting exercises while mixing in lessons on football fundamentals.

The award, given annually since 1970, is named after the Chicago Bears legendary running back who died in 1999. It's the only NFL honor that recognizes players for community service and excellence on the field.

Each of the 32 NFL teams nominates one player for the award.

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