Cleveland Browns Player Mike Furrey Named as Finalist for 2009 NFL Man of the Year

Wide receiver/defensive back Mike Furrey has been selected as one of three finalists for the 2009 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, it was announced today by the NFL. Renamed in 1999 after legendary Chicago Bears Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, this honor is the only league award that recognizes a player’s off the field community service activities as well as his playing excellence. The honor marks the first time the Browns have had one of the three finalists since their return in 1999. Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher and Kansas City Chiefs guard Brian Waters join Furrey as the three finalists. The winner will be announced live on CBS before Super Bowl XLIV on Sunday, February 7. Furrey, Fletcher and Waters will be in South Florida during Super Bowl week and will participate in a press conference on Friday, February 5, along with Payton’s family.

“The Browns are thrilled that Mike Furrey is among the three finalists for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which in my mind is one of the most prestigious individual honors because of what it stands for,” said Browns President Mike Holmgren. “Mike epitomizes what it means to be a true professional athlete. His tireless efforts on the field and in the community are inspirational, and we are proud that he is a member of the Cleveland Browns.”

“It’s an honor to even be in the category, let alone be in the final three for this award,” said Furrey. “To be able to go down to the Super Bowl and represent the Browns is a huge honor.”

The three finalists were chosen by a blue-ribbon panel from the 32 team nominees for the award, all of whom receive a $1,000 donation to the charity of their choice. The three finalists will receive an additional $5,000 donation in their name. The selection panel is comprised of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, Connie Payton, Pro Football Hall of Fame members Frank Gifford and Anthony Munoz, Giants great and Executive Director of the NFL Alumni Association George Martin, 2008 winner Kurt Warner and Sports Illustrated football writer Peter King.

The winner of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award will receive the Gladiator statue, an original art creation by the noted sculptor, Daniel Schwartz. In addition, the player’s favorite charity will receive an additional $20,000 donation in his name.

Since joining the Browns in May, Furrey has made his presence felt both on and off the field. He has volunteered his time with the Cleveland Foodbank, Cleveland Christian Home, Cleveland Clinic Rehab Hospital, NFL Hometown Huddle and made numerous school visits, among other community events. Furrey supports the Cleveland Browns Foundation through annual fundraisers including the Browns Foundation Golf Outing. He encourages kids to Play 60 through Browns Fitness Zone installation projects, has autographed more than one hundred items that were sent to local auctions/fundraisers and embraces the Browns Backers Worldwide, the official fan club of the Cleveland Browns. Furrey is the spokesperson for Children’s Hunger Alliance and visits schools to speak on the importance of healthy food choices and staying active. He created a game day ticket program to offer incentives for some and retreat from medical treatments for kids and individuals at the Cleveland Clinic Hospital for Rehabilitation, City Mission and the Cleveland Christian Home. Guests attending Browns home games through Furrey’s Fanatics program receive tickets, food vouchers, game programs and custom shirts on his behalf.

On the field, Furrey played in all 16 contests and picked up starts on both offense and defense. He finished third on the team with 23 receptions for 170 yards, while also totaling 14 tackles and two passes defensed on defense.

Furrey isn't the only local name to be up for the honor. London Fletcher, who starred at John Carroll, was also named as a finalist for the award. Fletcher and Furrey will be up against Brian Waters who was also named a finalist.