NFL star Arik Armstead shared how important it was to give the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year to a future Hall of Famer.

The Jacksonville Jaguars star has won the prestigious annual award himself, and he spoke to The U.S. Sun in an exclusive interview.

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Jacksonville Jaguars star Arik Armstead and his wife, Mindy Harwood, attend the NFL Honors at Palace of Fine Arts on February 5 in San FranciscoCredit: Getty
 

A man stands on a stage with multiple screens, with the largest screen displaying a football player in a Washington Commanders jersey and a maroon beanie.
Armstead hands the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year to Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner ahead of Super Bowl LXCredit: NBC
After his first season with the Jaguars in 2024, Armstead earned the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, which is given out to the player who has had a major and positive impact on his community.

Armstead was recognized for his community service and philanthropic work that he’s demonstrated throughout his career.

But earlier this month, it was his turn to hand out the highest individual honor to Washington Commanders star Bobby Wagner at the 2026 NFL Honors.

The very next day, Armstead appeared at a special shopping event where two dozen youth enjoyed a special Super Bowl LX experience.

Fanatics hosted 24 Make-A-Wish kids and their families at the Pier 39 Lids store in San Francisco, as each wish kid received $200 to shop for exclusive Super Bowl merchandise.

During his appearance, Armstead opened up on standing at the podium and delivering the Walter Payton Man of the Year award to Wagner, who is regarded as one of the best linebackers in NFL history.

“Amazing. [It was] amazing for me to pass that torch to him and be a part of that award,” Armstead told The U.S. Sun.

Wagner already has a Hall of Fame resume, as he is a ten-time Pro Bowler, an eleven-time All-Pro selection, a three-time NFL combined tackles leader, and a Super Bowl champion.

The 35-year-old received the prestigious honor as he’s an advocate for social justice reform and mental health, and created a fund to help stroke patients.

Wagner’s fund is in honor of his late mother, who died in 2012 due to stroke complications.

The former San Francisco 49ers star Armstead is looking forward to what the former Seattle Seahawks second-round pick Wagner can do to help the community even more moving forward.

“I’m excited to see what he does with the platform,” Armstead said.

“He’s already done so many great things, and I know the power of that award and the platform he will have.

“I’m excited for that.”

NFL player Dak Prescott posing with a child in a wheelchair, who is wearing a Make-A-Wish t-shirt.
Armstead takes a picture with a Make-A-Wish kid at the Pier 39 Lids store in San Francisco on February 6Credit: Getty Images for Fanatics
Armstead, a former 49ers first-round pick, Detroit Lions star offensive lineman Penei Sewell, and Jacksonville Jaguars rookie kicker Cam Little surprised the Make-A-Wish kids.

The NFL trio took photos and signed autographs with the kids.

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“It’s priceless, dude. Everyone who has smiles on their face puts a smile on my face. The community service is something that I take very seriously,” Little told The U.S. Sun.

“This is more important than what football can provide.”

Three young men smiling at the camera.
Detroit Lions star Penei Sewell, far left, Armstead, and Jacksonville Jaguars rookie kicker Cam Little appeared at a special shopping event, hosted by Fanatics, for Make-A-Wish kids to spend $200 on shopping at Lids for exclusive Super Bowl merchandise