Marshawn Lynch does a lot to help his native Oakland and the East Bay community as a whole. He has done that for years now, finding way both big and small to prop up struggling sections of this region.
Most of his work centers on helping underprivileged youth, either through charitable works or being a point of inspiration for a younger generation trying to get ahead amid often difficult circumstances.
Lynch’s efforts and often organized through his Fam 1st Family Foundation, a prominent part of this community.
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SIGN UP HERE The Raiders and the NFL have honored Lynch’s work by naming him the team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee. Lynch will receive a $50,000 donation from the league to a charity of their choice. Lynch can earn an extra $25,000 for his charity by winning a social media contest.
“We are proud to nominate Marshawn Lynch for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award,” Raiders owner Mark Davis said in a statement. “Marshawn’s impact on the field is easy to see. But it is off the field where he really makes a difference. While others may talk the talk, Marshawn walks the walk.”
The Man of the Year Award acknowledges players "whose commitment to excellence extends on and off the field," said commissioner Roger Goodell in an interview with NFL.com.
A national winner will be named at the NFL Honors award ceremony, held just before the Super Bowl. That person also gets $250,000 donated to a charity of their choice.
NFL
Lynch is currently on season-ending injured reserve with a groin injury suffered in a Week 6 loss to Seattle.