ORCHARD PARK, NY- Buffalo Bills linebacker Bryan Scott received the 2012 Buffalo Bills Walter Payton Man of the Year Award at a fundraiser for his ARTventure program.
Bryan's work throughout the community made him an ideal candidate for this year's award. Throughout his time in the NFL, Bryan has always looked to make a difference in others' lives. This year, Bryan has found a perfect balance between helping others off the field and making an impact on it.
In his 10th season in the league, Scott has played extremely well this season. He has compiled 54 tackles, seven passes defensed, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries by Week 14. With the time required to commit to performing well on the field, Bryan has still found a way to carve out time to become a valuable member of the Western New York community.
Bryan has been a major advocate of the Buffalo Bills and NFL's PLAY 60 mission, encouraging all children to be physically active for at least 60 minutes each day. He has visited schools throughout the Western New York community to help spread the message, and also filmed a PLAY 60 PSA with teammate George Wilson that airs during Bills home games to encourage kids to PLAY 60.
RELATED:Bryan Scott's Evening With the Arts http://ow.ly/g2Cm3 (photos)
In addition to advocating health and wellness, Bryan maintains a deep devotion to the arts and helping to ensure that youth have the opportunity to find their passion. Bryan's Pick Your Passion Foundation for the Arts established the ARTventure program to take students from Buffalo's Falk School on monthly field trips to different art and music venues throughout the area.
"Bryan Scott has worked hard every day of his NFL career to not only help his team, but the community that surrounds him," said Gretchen Geitter, Buffalo Bills Vice President of Community Relations. "We are proud to announce that Bryan has been selected as our 2012 Walter Payton Man of the Year recipient and are thankful for all he has done to help our organization and Western New York." All 32 team finalists receive a $1,000 grant for the foundation of their choice, and go on to be voted on for the league-wide Walter Payton Man of the Year award, in which the winner receives an additional $25,000 grant for his foundation of choice.
