CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt was named NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year during Saturday night's NFL Honors.
Watt edged out finalists Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen and Baltimore Ravens tight end Benjamin Watson for the award.
.@gregolsen88 joins his fellow #WPMOY finalists @jjwatt & @BenjaminSWatson in Minneapolis ?? pic.twitter.com/WWby6xGxRl
The award recognizes an NFL player for "outstanding community service activities off the field as well as excellence on the field," according to the league's website.
Earlier in the 2017 NFL season, Watt launched a Hurricane Harvey relief fund on social media that eventually raised over $37 million. After raising the money, he unveiled plans on how the fund will be put to use in communities devastated by the hurricane.
“The people and their stories were both heartbreaking and uplifting all at the same time,” Watt posted on Facebook and Instagram. “Each of these families went through so much devastation and heartbreak, yet remain so positive and energetic, it was truly inspiring to spend time with them today.”
Those interested in helping Watt's charitable works can click here for more information.
Saturday's invitation to the NFL Honors marked Olsen's third nomination for the award. The Greg Olsen Foundation announced a partnership with Carolinas HealthCare System's Levine Children's Hospital to create the region's first cardiac neurodevelopmental program back in November.
His foundation pledged $750,000 to help kickstart the program.
Before the league announced its winners, Panthers linebacker and teammate Thomas Davis gave props for Olsen's involvement in the community.
"Greg's body of work speaks for itself," Davis told NBC Charlotte. "The charity with [Levine's Children's Hospital] is amazing."
Davis won the award in 2014.
Those interested in helping Olsen's charity programs can click here for more information.
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