Dion Dawkins has been named the Buffalo Bills’ Club Winner for the 2025 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, marking his fourth consecutive year receiving this recognition. The award honors an NFL player from each of the league’s 32 teams for outstanding performance on and off the field.
Dawkins, who joined the Bills in 2017, has become a key figure for both the team and the local community. In addition to being selected as a four-time Pro Bowl player and earning a spot at No. 42 on NFL Network’s Top 100 Players before the start of this season, Dawkins was also honored with a “Key to the City” of Buffalo in November.
Through his foundation, Dion’s Dreamers, Dawkins provides mentorship and support to youth in underserved communities and supports individuals facing various hardships. He said, “It is an honor to be named the Buffalo Bills Walter Payton Man of the Year Club Winner for the fourth year in a row. My work in Buffalo is a reflection of the city itself; we’re always willing to help each other out when it is needed. It is a privilege to receive this recognition and know that I will continue to use my platform as a way to shine light on those unseen.”
Over the past year, Dawkins has contributed time and resources to several initiatives. His foundation donated $25,000 toward Give 716 Day events and health fairs at MLK Jr. Park, providing clothing, meals, water, produce, bicycles, and helmets for children. He worked with former teammate Latavius Murray supporting underprivileged youth in Syracuse through programs at Jon Diaz Community Center.
At educational events like Canalside Children’s Book Festival and Northland Workforce Training Center’s Back-to-School event, Dawkins donated funds for books and school supplies. He also supported back-to-school drives organized by Minority Car Association of Western New York and Momma B Foundation Unity Day.
Dawkins maintains connections with students at The Academy School—a school he adopted in 2023—many of whom have had contact with juvenile justice systems. He celebrated youth who remained arrest-free through his involvement with Youth Empowerment Program events.
Other activities included participating in NFL Play60 during Super Bowl week; organizing his annual ShnowVille Kickball Tournament; awarding scholarships to Rahway high school seniors; partnering with City of Tonawanda Neighbors United “Day of Play”; hosting charity tournaments; running Shnow Day events where students spend time with him; fundraising dinners benefiting student services; supporting Jericho Road Community Health Center’s shelter for refugees; donating food through Thanksgiving meal programs across Buffalo and Niagara County; and working alongside FeedMore WNY.
The NFL Foundation and Nationwide Foundation provide up to $55,000 per club winner—up to $40,000 directed toward their chosen charity (with $25,000 guaranteed), plus additional funds if they participate fully in related events or broadcasts. The overall Walter Payton Man of the Year Award winner can direct up to $250,000 toward their charity from total donations provided by these foundations.
The recipient will be announced during NFL Honors on Thursday, February 5th. The event will air live on FOX and NFL Network beginning at 8 p.m., with streaming available via NFL+.
