This evening, Jason Witten of the Dallas Cowboys was named the 2012 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.

FORBES: Dallas Cowboys' Jason Witten Wins the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award for his Work to End Domestic Violence

Witten was selected as the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year for his active involvement with numerous non-profit organizations.

FORBES: Dallas Cowboys' Jason Witten Wins the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award for his Work to End Domestic Violence

The Bears selected offensive lineman Jimbo Covert, who blocked for Walter Payton, won a Super Bowl, and was ultimately named to the All-Decade Team of the 1980s.

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Rice also broke Walter Payton's NFL record for all-purpose yards.

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Awarding Witten the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is notable following an NFL season which featured former Kansas City Chiefs player, Jovan Belcher, murdering his girlfriend.

FORBES: Dallas Cowboys' Jason Witten Wins the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award for his Work to End Domestic Violence