The Jacksonville Jaguars announced Thursday that punter Logan Cooke was selected as the team’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. The NFL winner will be selected at the site of the Super Bowl. Each team will be represented by their Man of the Year.

Cooke, who is the Jaguars' longest-tenured player, and his wife, Mary, started the Logan Cooke Foundation in 2021.

Cooke said he was honored that the team picked him as their representative. 

"I am incredibly honored to be nominated for Walter Payton Man of the Year. Walter Payton and I are from the same hometown, so this is very special to me. Being a Jacksonville Jaguar means so much more than just performing on the field," Cooke said. "To be considered for such a prestigious award would not be possible without the unwavering support from my wife, Mary Menger, my family, my teammates and the Jaguars organization. Our goal is to leave an impact on Jacksonville that will last for years to come."

Jaguars head coach Liam Coen said the honor was well deserved by Cooke. 

"I couldn't be prouder of Logan," Coen said. "He deserves recognition for everything he brings to this team on the field, in the locker room and in our community.  

According to the team’s website, Cooke has recently focused on combating the global water crisis through clean water projects in East Africa. This season, Cooke is punting for clean water through his foundation in partnership with Zoe Ministries, a nonprofit which has provided clean and safe water access to over 200,000 people since 2017.

For every punt pinned inside the 20-yard line, he donates $1,000 to help bring safe, life-changing water to families in Kenya. With millions in East Africa still lacking access to clean water, the campaign's goal was to raise $20,000 for clean water projects. With five games left to play in the regular season, Cooke has already raised over $25,000 from his on-field-based donations and community support.

Since being drafted by the Jaguars in 2018, he has been active in the Jacksonville community, participating in a variety of events on his own and through the Jaguars Foundation.

Cooke has consistently participated in team events such as Literacy Locker Rooms, Military Base, Hospital and Make-A-Wish visits, as well as the annual Ronald McDonald House Holiday Party.

The punter has cast a wide net in his philanthropic efforts, championing an array of causes, including youth and military support, clean water access, cancer awareness, and more.