Cornerback Brandon Carr is this year's Cowboys representative for the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
The annual honor, which recognizes NFL players for their achievements on and off the field, selects 32 players, which are voted on by a panel that includes commissioner Roger Goodell, former commissioner Paul Tagliabue and last year's winner Thomas Davis, a current linebacker for the Panthers.
Tight end Jason Witten became the third Cowboys player to win the award in 2012 joining Roger Staubach (1978) and Troy Aikman (1997).
Carr, an eight-year veteran who has never missed a start in his career, acknowledged that "you can't play forever" and that making a lasting impression off the field is something that will last long after his playing days are over.
"Ultimately it's part of your legacy – combining on and off the field," Carr said. "But truly, off the field is where you make your mark, I believe. Changing lives, leaving that lasting impression on people. They see me with a helmet on and think of you as an athlete, but we all have passion and things we like to inspire others with. We care about communities and making impact on them in a positive way."
The primary initiative of The Carr Cares Foundation is to mold youth into becoming more responsible and motivated young adults, enabling them to be self-sufficient and productive members of society.
Carr has been involved in many other community events, including Wednesday's annual hospital visits. Last week, he was part of a group that passed out hundreds of Thanksgiving meals to needy families.
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