Thomas Davis, long-admired by Carolina Panthers fans, has finally earned league-wide recognition. The 10th-year linebacker was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year at the NFL Honors award ceremony Saturday night in Phoenix.

“It’s a huge honor, but we still have a lot of work to do,” Davis told BBR in a phone conversation shortly after the announcement. “It was exciting and very emotional to share it with my wife, and I’m looking forward to getting back to my Leadership Academy and sharing it with the kids.”

The award, named after the late Chicago Bears Hall of Fame running back, recognizes a player’s ability on the field and his efforts off of it. While Davis racked up at least 100 tackles for the third straight season, he and his wife Kelly continued to grow the Thomas Davis Defending Dreams Foundation. Since its inception in 2008, the TDDDF had distributed more than $500,000 in aid to underprivileged children and their families.

“I’d like to thank my beautiful wife,” a teary Davis said during his acceptance speech. “There’s a lot that I’ve had to deal with, and she’s been there for me. Through everything that I’ve gone through, injuries, everything.

“So often in my career, I’ve been the guy that’s came up just short. But receiving this award tonight signifies and capitalizes everything that I’ve been able to accomplish, all that I’ve had to go through.”

The Panthers’ Man of the Year nominee for the fourth straight year, Davis was a two-time finalist. In 2014, he lost to Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman. This time he beat out Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and San Francisco 49ers receiver Anquan Boldin.

With coach Ron Rivera and fellow linebacker Luke Kuechly in attendance, Davis received his new trophy from embattled NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Davis then made an emotional, ad-libbed plea.

“To the guys in this league, man, I just want to say to you — let’s take charge. Dare to be different,” Davis said. “Let’s step up and be a village of guys that make a difference. Let’s change this world.

“We’re well compensated for what we do. Let’s show these kids how much we care about them. Let’s give the media something positive to talk about instead of always bashing our league.”

Davis’ award marked the fourth consecutive year a member of the Panthers organization has won a major postseason honor. Quarterback Cam Newton was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2011, and a season later, Kuechly was the Defensive Rookie of the Year. Kuechly was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year last season while Rivera won Coach of the Year.

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