Nationwide announced today that Kansas City Chiefs safety and Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee Eric Berry has won Nationwide's inaugural Charity Challenge.
On December 2, Nationwide, the presenting sponsor of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, launched the Charity Challenge - a social media contest giving fans the opportunity to show support for their favorite Man of the Year Award nominee and offering players a chance to secure an additional $20,000 for their cause.
Fans were invited to vote for their favorite nominee by using that player's unique hashtag on any social media platform. The player whose unique hashtag was used the most by December 31, 2015, would receive a $20,000 donation to their charity of choice, courtesy of Nationwide.
Eric's unique hashtag, #BerryWPMOYChallenge, was used more than 94,000 times.
"I'm humbled by the overwhelming amount of support from Chiefs Kingdom, Vol Nation, family, friends and those across the country," Berry said. "This community has rallied for me since the day I was drafted here, and I am truly grateful to receive this honor. Seeing all of those hashtags was incredible. I can't thank everyone enough."
"Additionally, I'd like to thank Nationwide for the $20,000 donation to the Eric Berry Foundation. The funds will be used to continue our mission of providing opportunities and safe environments for kids in sports."
In all, fans used the 32 different team nominees' unique hashtags more than 450,000 times.
The 2015 season marks the second year of Nationwide's sponsorship of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award recognizes a player for his excellence on and off the field. Last season, Nationwide contributed more than $250,000 to the various charitable foundations represented by the 2014 nominees. This season, Nationwide will contribute nearly $350,000 to the nominees' foundations.
The winner of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award will be announced during the 5th Annual NFL Honors awards show, a two-hour primetime special airing nationally on Feb. 6, the night before Super Bowl 50, from 9-11 p.m. ET on CBS.
For more information on the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide, please visit www.nfl.com/manoftheyear.
a few special moments in the career of Eric Berry.
Tennessee's Eric Berry (14) returns a fumble as he gets away from Georgia's Michael Moore (82) and Eric Elliot (30) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Knoxville, Tenn.
Tennessee's Eric Berry poses with his trophy after winning the Jim Thorpe Award for best defensive back at the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards in Lake Buena Vista , Fla., Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Eric Berry is selected by the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2010 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, NY on Apr. 22, 2010. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry (29) celebrates with cornerback Brandon Flowers, left, and linebacker Andy Studebaker, right, after intercepting a pass intended for Buffalo wide receiver Lee Evans (83) during the fourth quarter.
Eric Berry (29) retruns an interception for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs host the the Baltimore Raves in a first round playoff game on Sunday.
Eric Berry Warming up for the game
Sept 16, 2012. Eric Berry rally's the team prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, NY
Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) celebrates after a missed Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal attempt during the first half of an NFL football game in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012
November 25, 2012. Eric Berry defendes a pass intended for Jacob Tamme (84) from Payton Manning
December 9, 2012. Eric Berry, Derrick Johnson, Terrance Copper, and Ryan Lilja coming out for the coin toss.
December 16, 2012. Eric Berry celebrates after making a hit on RB Marcel Reece of the Oakland Raiders.
Eric Berry Celebrates with Jairus Byrd in the first quarter of the 2012 Pro Bowl game. BerryLead the AFC with 7 tackles.
Dustin Colquitt, Tamba Hali Eric Berry and Jamall Charles pose for a photo after the Pro Bowl in Hawaii
