KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Tyrann Mathieu is the Kansas City Chiefs' nominee for the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for many reasons. His Tyrann Mathieu Foundation supports many community projects.
An example of Mathieu's giving came this week when he surprised a critical response nurse at a Kansas City-area hospital with two tickets to this season's Super Bowl. Mathieu's representatives reached out to the hospital, St. Luke's South in Overland Park, Kansas, and the recipient, Brandon Smith, received the tickets from Mathieu after being nominated by a colleague.
"This team and community are very important to me,'' Mathieu said. "I've had the chance to meet a lot of people in Kansas City, many who are going through difficult times. I think anytime you have an opportunity to lend your hand or even give a little bit of hope, that's always a good thing.
"I want to continue to make a difference in the lives of others here in Kansas City and in my hometown of New Orleans."