Steelers' Alex Highsmith Nominated for Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year

Highsmith's community service and charitable work recognized with prestigious nomination

Feb. 5, 2026 at 6:39pm

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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith has been nominated as the team's representative for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, which honors players for their outstanding community service and philanthropic work. Highsmith was surprised with the nomination while volunteering at a Thanksgiving event, with his family there to celebrate the recognition. Highsmith has been dedicated to serving his local communities in Charlotte, Wilmington, and Pittsburgh through his foundation, which focuses on youth development, academic support, and emotional well-being.

Why it matters

The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award is one of the league's most prestigious honors, recognizing players who have made a significant positive impact off the field through their dedication to service and charitable work. Highsmith's nomination highlights the Steelers' commitment to community engagement and the power of professional athletes to inspire change.

The details

Highsmith was informed of his nomination while volunteering at an event hosted by former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch. Highsmith's wife, parents, and in-laws were there to surprise him with the news. Through his Alex Highsmith Family Foundation, Highsmith has focused on supporting youth in the three communities closest to his heart: Charlotte, Wilmington, and Pittsburgh. The foundation provides scholarships, hosts football camps, back-to-school giveaways, and holiday drives, with Highsmith making it a priority to personally engage with the kids. Highsmith also serves on the Steelers' Social Justice Committee and supports mental health initiatives. When a fire displaced hundreds at a local shelter in 2024, Highsmith jumped in to donate clothes and serve dinner, and now visits shelters monthly, often bringing teammates along.

  • Highsmith was informed of his nomination in November 2025.
  • The fire at the Second Avenue Commons shelter occurred in 2024.

The players

Alex Highsmith

A linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers who has been nominated as the team's representative for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, which honors players for their outstanding community service and philanthropic work.

Charlie Batch

A former quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers who hosted the Thanksgiving event where Highsmith was informed of his nomination.

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What they’re saying

“It was such a surprise. I was so grateful in that moment.”

— Alex Highsmith (Channel 11)

“They raised me to serve and to respect people, treat people the way you want to be treated, to love others. Just to know that they were there was just so awesome to see.”

— Alex Highsmith (Channel 11)

“Everyone knows Walter Payton for the player that he was. He's a Hall of Fame player, one of the best running backs of all time, but obviously, he knew that the greatest impact that you have with the platform that you have is off the field.”

— Alex Highsmith (Channel 11)

What’s next

The winner of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award will be announced at the NFL Honors ceremony on the eve of Super Bowl LVII.

The takeaway

Alex Highsmith's nomination for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award is a testament to his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in his local communities, using his platform as a professional athlete to inspire change and support those in need. His selfless dedication to service and charitable work exemplifies the true spirit of the award.