Defensive tackle Solomon Thomas has been a difference-maker in his first season with the Cowboys, bringing veteran experience to a position group that has been almost completely overhauled since his arrival and even turned into a genuine team strength across the past few weeks.But over Thomas’s short time in Dallas, he’s made even more of an impact off the field, especially in the wake of the tragic passing of defensive linemate Marshawn Kneeland. The Cowboys have recognized Thomas’s exceptional efforts by naming him the club’s 2025 nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, it was announced Thursday.Thomas has become a mainstay on the list of candidates for what the league considers its most prestigious individual honor; this is his fourth straight nomination, after three consecutive years as the team winner for the Jets.Each of the NFL’s 32 franchises nominates one player per season for the award, which seeks to recognize a commitment to philanthropy and community service as well as excellence on gameday. Other notable 2025 nominees include Jordan Love, Maxx Crosby, Travis Kelce, Derrick Henry, and Baker Mayfield.We’re proud to announce the 32 club winners for the league’s most prestigious honor: the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, presented by @Nationwide. #WPMOYpic.twitter.com/KD5puLlX9b— NFL (@NFL) December 4, 2025Thomas’s nonprofit initiative, The Defensive Line, focuses on mental wellness and ending youth suicide. The cause has touched Thomas personally; he lost a sister to suicide in 2018 and has been active in both the Cowboys locker room and the larger Dallas community following Kneeland’s suicide in early November.Just two weeks ago, Thomas was named the NFLPA’s Community MVP for just some of that work.Now as the Cowboys’ nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, Thomas will wear a special helmet decal for the remainder of the season. Guard Zack Martin was last year’s team nominee, but on the same day the honor was announced, Martin was scheduled for year-ending ankle surgery. He retired at the end of the season, having never gotten to wear the helmet decal.But Martin returned to team headquarters recently to surprise Thomas with news of his 2025 nomination.Surprise for Solly!Last year’s Club Winner, @thegob70, surprised @SollyThomas90 to tell him he’s our Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Club Winner presented by @Nationwide! 🔄Repost to vote! ➡️ #WPMOYChallengepic.twitter.com/sZ5dQ62jl2— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) December 4, 2025The award winner is traditionally recognized on the field during a pregame ceremony at the Super Bowl; he’ll receive a $250,000 donation in his name to the charity of his choosing and will wear a special uniform patch for the rest of his playing career.Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott won the award in 2022. Jason Witten (2012), quarterback Troy Aikman (1997), and quarterback Roger Staubach (1978) are the franchise’s other past winners.Todd is on X at @ToddBrock24f7. Also, follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys DT Solomon Thomas up for Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year