Furrey the 2009 Browns Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee
Wide receiver/defensive back Mike Furrey was selected as the Cleveland Browns’ 2009 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee. Renamed in 1999 after legendary Chicago Bears Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, this honor recognizes a player’s off the field community service activities as well as his playing excellence. The three NFL finalists will be announced next week, and each will be present at Super Bowl XLIV in Miami on February 7, 2010, for the announcement of the NFL Man of the Year. The award has been given annually since 1970 and past winners include many of the league’s greatest players, 13 of whom are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Since joining the Browns in May, Furrey has made his presence felt both on and off the field. He has volunteered his time with the Cleveland Foodbank, Cleveland Christian Home, Cleveland Clinic Rehab Hospital, NFL Hometown Huddle and numerous school visits, among other community events. Furrey supports the Cleveland Browns Foundation through annual fundraisers including the Browns Foundation Golf Outing. He encourages kids to Play 60 through Browns Fitness Zone installation projects, autographed over one-hundred items that were sent to local auctions/fundraisers, and embraces the Browns Backers Worldwide, the official fan club of the Cleveland Browns. Furrey is the spokesperson for Children’s Hunger Alliance and visits schools to speak on the importance of healthy food choices and staying active. Furrey created a game day ticket program to offer incentives for some and retreat from medical treatments for kids and individuals at the Cleveland Clinic Hospital for Rehabilitation, City Mission and the Cleveland Christian Home. Guests attending Browns home games through Furrey’s Fanatics program receive tickets, food vouchers, game programs and custom shirts on behalf of Mike Furrey.
On the field, Furrey has picked up starts on offense and defense as a defensive back. He is third on the team with 23 receptions for 170 yards, while also totaling 11 tackles and two passes defensed on defense.
Cleveland Browns Walter Payton Man of the Year Award Nominees
1999 OG Jim Pyne
2000 LB Jamir Miller
2001 LB Wali Rainer
2002 RB Jamel White
2003 QB Kelly Holcomb
2004 DE Kenard Lang
2005 QB Trent Dilfer
2006 QB Charlie Frye
2007 WR Braylon Edwards
2008 K Phil Dawson
2009 WR Mike Furrey
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This post has 3 comments
December 31st, 2009 at 6:45 pm
This is all well and good,but is Furrey even in the Browns future plans?
January 2nd, 2010 at 6:50 pm
He should be around next year. Far too versatile and really a decent third receiver. If they draft a safety, then Furrey moves back to receiver, I should think.
January 24th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
I agree Denolakes. Mike plays on both sides of the football for the Browns, way too valuable a player, and a decent human being too! My vote would be for you MIKE! Thanks for all the community work, and the work with youth. Wish the NFL had more players like you that volunteered and provided youth a good role model.