SHARE

Giants' Manning Wins NFL Award For Tackling Cancer With Hackensack UMC

HACKENSACK, N.J. – Giants quarterback Eli Manning was named co-winner of the 2016 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award Saturday.

Giants quarterback Eli Manning visits with childhood cancer patients at Hackensack University Medical Center.

Giants quarterback Eli Manning visits with childhood cancer patients at Hackensack University Medical Center.

Photo Credit: Tackle Kids Cancer Facebook Page

Manning is the first Giants player to win the award – that recognizes an NFL player for contributions on and off the field -- since it was instituted in 1970. He shared the honor with co-winner Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

Manning is involved in many causes, including Tackle Kids’ Cancer, an initiative out of Hackensack University Medical Center. He raises funds and awareness to help children with cancer and regularly spends time with patients.

One child he has met with is Becca, a local Wyckoff girl who is now in remission, and also raises funds for Tackle Kids’ Cancer.

RELATED: Facial Hair Helps Wyckoff Officers Garner $3,000 For Pediatric Cancer

"If we in the NFL and others in our communities commit to step in, we can lessen that struggle, ease that hurt, spark that hope," Manning said about helping others. "I challenge everyone here to help some person in need -- you choose -- but go out of your way to make a difference in someone's life. I promise you it's worth it."

RELATED: Wyckoff Daisies Create 'Rainbow Tree Trail' To Support Cancer Fighters

Manning also works with March of Dimes, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, American Red Cross, the Scholastic’s ClassroomCare program, and he and his wife founded the Eli and Abby Manning Children’s Clinics in Mississippi.

Former Wayne Hills star Greg Olsen was the third finalist for the honor.

to follow Daily Voice Hackensack and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE