Idonije A Walter Payton Man Of The Year Finalist, But Doesn't Win
Chicago Bears Israel Idonije was was of the three finalists in the running for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, but was not named the winner.
Nnamdi Asomugha, of the Oakland Raiders, and Madieu Williams, of the Minnesota Vikings were the other finalists for the award. However, Williams won the award and his charity will receive a $20,000 grant.
Had Idonije won, he would have made the fifth Chicago Bear named to the award and The Israel Idonije Foundation, which benefits economically disadvantaged children in Chicago, Nigeria and Winnepeg, would have received the grant. The foundation emphasizes education, and while he is the face of his foundation he isn't the sole catalyst for its success.
