NFL notes: Witten selected Walter Payton Award winner

Jason Witten's off-season of recognition continues.

The veteran Cowboys tight end was selected the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year on Saturday. The award recognizes community service and playing excellence.

Also this week, Witten was presented the Bart Starr Award for outstanding character and leadership in the community, at home and on the field.

Last weekend, he made his eighth Pro Bowl game appearance.

"Like others before me, I have a great opportunity as an NFL player to make a difference in the lives of others," Witten said in a statement released by the Cowboys. "It is honestly humbling to be recognized in such a manner for simply doing what I feel is right and human. I am fortunate to have a great support system in my family."

Witten set an NFL single-season record for catches by a tight end this season with 110.

Off the field, he has served as the Cowboys' spokesman for NFL Play 60, and his charity, Jason Witten's SCORE Foundation, funds building projects in Texas and his native Tennessee and works to prevent domestic violence.

Jarrett and Brittney Payton, the son and daughter of the late Payton, will recognize Witten's award on the field today before the kickoff of Super Bowl XLVII between the 49ers and Ravens. -- Carlos Mendez

NFL awards

Adrian Peterson's sensational season following major knee surgery has earned him The Associated Press 2012 NFL Most Valuable Player Award.

The Minnesota Vikings running back finished with 2,019 yards, a mere 9 yards short of breaking Eric Dickerson's rushing record.

Other awards announced Saturday:

Peyton Manning's stunning return from four neck surgeries has netted him The Associated Press 2012 NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.

The four-time league MVP guided the Broncos to the AFC's best record, 13-3, in his first season in Denver.

Robert Griffin III of the Washington Redskins beat out fellow quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson to win The Associated Press 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

Houston end J.J. Watt was named Defensive Player of the Year after recording 20.5 sacks and batting down 16 passes.

Sensitivity training

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Chris Culliver will begin sensitivity training and education immediately after the Super Bowl following his anti-gay remarks last week, then begin volunteer work with at-risk homosexual youth nationwide.

During media day Tuesday, Culliver said he wouldn't welcome a gay player in the locker room. He later apologized.

Looking for comments?