Walter Payton Man of the Year
O9 | Dec 21, 2007 | Comments 1
The San Francisco 49ers have named cornerback Nate Clements as the Club’s 2007 Walter Payton Man of the Year. The prestigious award, unique among NFL honors, recognizes a player for his community service activities as well as his play on the field.
Clements was signed to the 49ers in 2007 to bolster the 49ers defense. The seven-year NFL veteran from Ohio State has routinely shadowed the opponent’s top receiver and leads the team with 14 passes defensed. Clements is tied for the team lead with three interceptions and has shown to be a complete defender, notching 100 tackles and a team leading three forced fumbles on the season.
“This is a big transition for me, moving from Buffalo to San Francisco. I told myself that one of my goals is to get more involved in the community, as well as being an addition on the field. I stayed in a routine and it’s been fun being out in the community. It feels good to help others.”
Full Story: Clements Named 49ers Walter Payton Man of the Year – [49ers.com]
Popularity: 17% [?]
Filed Under: 22 News
[...] Enter Nate Clements, the prize free agent signing of San Francisco’s 2007 offseason. The Clements signing certainly wasn’t well received by everyone, and the "$80 million contract" was a popular topic for criticism (especially after 2007’s 5-11 finish). While the contract is rich, it would be hard for any player to live up to the expectations of “highest paid CB” in the league. Off the field, however, Nate Clements has more than lived up to expectations. [...]