Two Bears named among NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year nominees for 2024

Each year, the NFL recognizes one player with its Walter Payton Man of the Year award — honoring those who excel not only on the field, but also in the community by demonstrating “a steadfast commitment to creating a positive impact beyond the game.” It’s a big enough deal that winners get to wear a special patch on their uniforms for the rest of their careers.

This year, the league’s 32 nominees for the award (one per team) include not one, but two Baylor Bears: Andrew Billings (Chicago Bears) and Jalen Pitre (Houston Texans).

Billings (BA ’18), a Waco native who was a first-team All-American and Co-Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year at Baylor in 2015, is in his ninth year in the NFL. When healthy, he has been a reliable starter on the defensive line, starting in 76 of his 92 career NFL games. Off the field, Billings has consistently given back to Waco-area youth through his Billings Family Find-A-Way Foundation — hosting youth football camps, supporting teachers with mini-grants, giving to scholarships and more.

Pitre (BBA ’20, MSED ’21), a first-team All-American and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year at Baylor in 2021, is in his third season with the Texans since Houston drafted him in 2022. He led the team in interceptions and tackles as a rookie, and remains a vital part of the Texans’ defense. Off the field, Pitre (a Houston native) is a devoted advocate for Kids’ Meals, a local nonprofit that delivers free, healthy meals year-round directly to the homes of hungry preschool-aged children.

Baylor was one of just four universities to have two alumni among this year’s Walter Payton Man of the Year nominees, joining Cal, Notre Dame and Stanford.

Sic ’em, Andrew Billings and Jalen Pitre!