The Kansas City Chiefs defensive stand-out has been nominated for the Walter Peyton Man of the Year award, in part due to his generous support of Heart to Heart International’s efforts to fight the Ebola epidemic in Hali’s native land of Liberia.
The prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award presented by Nationwide is unique among NFL honors because it is the only award that recognizes a current NFL player for outstanding community service activities as well as excellence on the field. – NFL.com
At Heart to Heart International we feel this nomination is so well deserved, because #91 stepped up in a big way. Not only did Tamba Hali help to get the word out about our plans to open an Ebola Treatment Unit in Liberia, he made a substantial donation to the effort. Here’s an excerpt from his nomination:
How has your nominee put the needs of members in the community ahead of their own?
With the team in the midst of its bye-week, Hali put off travel to remain in Kansas City this October. Instead of embarking to a tropical paradise, he and Heart to Heart International formally announced the construction of a 70-bed Ebola Treatment Unit. In fact, Hali was so moved by the passion of Heart to Heart International that he pledged $50,000 to the cause.
As reported on KCChiefs.com, the Chiefs organization nominated Hali this year for his prowess on the field, for his support of HHI and for doing so much for people in the Kansas City area.
“We are very proud to have Tamba represent the Chiefs Kingdom as this year’s nominee for the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “As a player, with his teammates and in the communities he serves, Tamba demonstrates tremendous heart. He does not seek personal recognition for his tireless hard work. He prefers action over words. So, we are delighted to see him nominated for one of the most prestigious honors in our game.”