San Francisco 49ers

49ers' Boldin among three finalists for Payton Man of Year Award

Published Jan. 25, 2016 9:41 p.m. ET

foxsports

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin was named a finalist for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.

Boldin, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning and New Orleans Saints tight end Benjamin Watson were the three finalists. It marks the second straight year that Boldin was among the final trio.

The award, named for the late Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, honors an NFL player for excellence on the field and contributions off the field. The winner will be announced on Feb. 6, the night before the Super Bowl.

Boldin, who led the 49ers with 69 receptions in 2015, provides educational opportunities for underprivileged youth through his Q81 Foundation. He donated a $1 million gift to provide four-year college scholarships and runs an annual festival in Florida that raises approximately $100,000.

The NFL Players Association presented Boldin with the Byron “Whizzer” White Award - the organization's highest honor - in 2014, which provided $100,000 for his foundation. The 35-year-old Boldin completed his third season with the 49ers and is scheduled to become a free agent.