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 wide receiver Jamal Agnew muffed a punt that he probably should not have attempted to catch in the first place, a play that led directly to a New York Jets touchdown. (Adam Hunger/AP)

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Inventor Lonnie Johnson stands with his Super Soaker water guns at JTEC Energy on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, in Atlanta. Johnson, a former NASA engineer, is currently working on a new energy technology through his company’s JTEC device that turns thermal heat into usable energy. (Natrice Miller/AJC)