Jonathan Ledbetter had childhood flashbacks while serving Thanksgiving dinner at the Phoenix Rescue Mission as one of many Cardinals.
In those days, his military mother, who lived on a base, would take her children to assist at a soup kitchen around the holidays.
He added, “I do what I do in the community because it’s important to me, and people in my community are the reason why I’m the person I am today,” after being selected as the Cardinals’ Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee Tuesday. That village is built on love, faith, sacrifice, and God’s love. I want to pour into others as my cup fills, thanks to my mom, grandma, and others who have poured into me.”
An NFL player who thrives on the field and gives back to their community receives the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.
Ledbetter’s chosen charity will receive $55,000 with this nomination. Nationwide allows fans to vote on NFL.com/manoftheyear and X using the hashtag #WPMOYChallenge followed by the nominee’s last name to help nominees raise more money for their charity.
The season-long Walter Payton Man of the Year helmet sticker will be on Ledbetter’s helmet.
Ledbetter is having his greatest NFL season. As a healthy Cardinal, he’s started all 10 games and leads the defensive line in tackles. The defensive line relies on him.
Statistics support his field’s progress. Off the pitch, his leadership has been more stunning and impactful. Since Ledbetter acts like a 10-year NFL veteran, some of his colleagues were astonished to learn he’s 26.
“We are enormously proud to have him represent the Cardinals and present him as our 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee,” stated Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill. “Whether it’s here in Arizona or in his home state of Georgia, Jonathan has consistently demonstrated a commitment to serving others that exemplifies everything that this award stands for.”
Due to their community involvement, Bidwill said many Cardinals players could have won the prize. He informed the squad about Ledbetter’s nomination before the bye week.
Ledbetter, usually verbal, was stunned.
“I’m not even a person who gets really nervous, like speaking or talking kind of comes naturally for me, but that might’ve been the first time I really froze up,” said Ledbetter. “Being honoured is awesome. It’s good to highlight our community work, and any of the guys could have done it. Our team has many people who wish to help and give back, including those who have helped me organise events.”
Kelvin Beachum, Dennis Gardeck, and Ledbetter fed 230 needy families Thanksgiving supper. Ledbetter said tight end Trey McBride, linebacker Jesse Luketa, and former Cardinals like J.J. Watt helped him.
After joining the NFL, Ledbetter founded Led A Better Way in 2019. Since then, he has held kid football camps, gift drives, hospital visits, and other events in Arizona and Georgia. The third-year defensive lineman needed to organise mental health awareness events. Ledbetter has spoken at high schools and conferences about his melancholy. Ledbetter emphasises that being wrong is OK every time he speaks.
“Openness and vulnerability are two important words right there,” added Ledbetter. “I want to be unapologetically me, and I want to be on the street with who I am and what I stand for, and I really just honestly think that being able to exhibit that and do that is important.”
All 32 clubs nominate a “Man of the Year” who will be announced at the NFL Honours on Thursday before Super Bowl LVIII.
“It’s bigger than us,” Ledbetter added. It’s bigger than football. It dwarfs everything. People adore this game for our on-field abilities, but we also have much to offer off-field. I want people to realise we’re average individuals who want to help and give back to those in need.”
