Cowboys' DeMarcus Lawrence on Walter Payton Man of the Year nomination: 'It's truly a blessing'

For 10 seasons now, Dallas defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence has been a force between the lines. But his equally impactful actions away from the gridiron are what led him to become the Cowboys' 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee.

"It's truly a blessing," Lawrence told NFL.com of the nomination in an interview earlier this month. "I wrap my life around faith, family and football. To believe and also go out and serve others as a passion of my faith. Just to see it come around full circle. God blessed me with this nomination and the opportunity to be Walter Payton Man of the Year. I'm truly blessed."

The winner of the league's highest honor -- either Lawrence or one of his 31 peers nominated across the league -- will be announced during NFL Honors on Feb. 8, ahead of Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.

Lawrence has spent the entirety of his professional career with Dallas, going back to his selection in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, meaning he's had time to lay down deep charitable roots across the community.

The three-time Pro Bowler was established enough by his third season to give serious consideration to starting his own foundation, but given the numerous life-changing organizations already operating locally, he ultimately opted to enhance the reach of many of those rather than add one of his own.

"One thing I started to think in my third year is, I want to start a foundation, but I sat down with my wife, and we were talking," he explained. "There are so many foundations out here, it's like, best partner up and help them instead of trying to create something new that's going to be the same."

Helping anywhere he can, Lawrence has been especially cognizant of needs in both the homeless and the youth communities in