Fitzgerald, Thomas, Witten finalists for Walter Payton award

The league revealed the three finalists for this year’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.

The distinguished award will be handed out on Feb. 2, the night before Super Bowl XLVII, at the league’s award show in New Orleans.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas and Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten are the three finalists for the award, which is given to a player for on-field excellence and community service involvement.

Baltimore Ravens center Matt Birk received the honor last season. Each NFL team has one player it promotes for the award annually.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune