Vincent Rey nominated for Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award

The NFL announced the 32 players who have been named their team's Man of the Year, and linebacker Vincent Rey was the Bengals' nominee. These players represent the best of the NFL's commitment to philanthropy and community impact and are now eligible to win the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

Three of these nominees will be selected as finalists for the award, named for the legendary Bears running back who died in 1999. Finalists will be announced in January 2015. The winner will be announced in Arizona, the site of Super Bowl XLIX, during the 4th Annual NFL Honors awards show, a two-hour primetime special to air nationally on Saturday, January 31, from 9-11 p.m. ET on NBC.

Each of the 32 team nominees receive a $1,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to the charity of their choice. The three finalists will receive an additional $5,000 donation, and the winner will receive an additional $20,000 donation in his name.

A key player on Bengals special teams and defense, Vincent also leads his team in community appearances. Much of his volunteer time has been spent with United Way and Lighthouse Youth Services, an agency dedicated to advancing the dignity and well-being of children and families in need. Vincent also participates in the Marvin Lewis Community Fund’s "Learning is Cool" program, an educational reward program recognizing students for strong academic performance.

Rey has also stated that after his NFL career is over, he would like to pursue a career in teaching.