Falcons safety Ricardo Allen, who is heavily involved in several community service projects, was the team’s nomination for the Walter Payton man of the year award.

All 32 NFL teams nominate a player who makes a difference on the field and in the community.

Last season’s Falcons’ nominee was defensive tackle Grady Jarrett.

Allen is a leader in the team’s  social justice committee meetings through researching organizations and educating others on their importance. He has spoken at team meetings regarding the importance of the committee’s social justice efforts and has personally recruited additional players to join in on the outreach.

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Atlanta Falcons' left guard Matthew Bergeron sustained an ankle injury in a game against the New England Patriots. He is unlikely to play against the Colts in Berlin. (Hyosub Shin/AJC 2023)

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Public Service Commission candidate Peter Hubbard gets a hug from Brionté McCorkle, executive director of Georgia Conservation Voters, during an election-night party in Southwest Atlanta on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.  (Ben Gray for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Gray for the AJC