Stephen Tulloch nominated for Man of the Year award

The NFL's 32 nominees for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award were announced on Wednesday, and linebacker Stephen Tulloch was selected from the Detroit Lions.

Tulloch's bio on the NFL's official website highlights his Stephen Tulloch Foundation and his impact in the Detroit area:

Operation 55, launched through the Stephen Tulloch Foundation, has grown to be one of the most well-known programs throughout Metro Detroit. Stephen launched Operation 55 upon signing with the Detroit Lions and has helped thousands through his city-wide outreach. This program's two main components are educational assistance for Detroit Public Schools and helping families affected by cancer. Operation 55 has adopted 55 Detroit Public Schools, providing them with needed technology and learning tools that the state lacks funding for. Each school sends in their list of needs and Stephen purchases said items, delivering them on his day off throughout the season. These items must be educational and directly affect the students in a positive way.

Many Detroit schools do not have any computers, tablets, printers, televisions or books for students. By purchasing these items, Operation 55 provides schools necessary tools helping students for years to come. Stephen has also committed to helping families affected by cancer and other terminal illnesses. He grants multiple children their 'wish' while going through treatment and assistsfamilies financially by paying medical or home bills, including funeral arrangements and family care.

A seven-person panel -- including NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Connie Payton, Walter Payton's widow -- will announce three finalists in January 2016 and the winner will be named at the NFL Honors awards show on Super Bowl Sunday Eve. Each nominee receives a $5,000 donation to the charity of his choice; the winner gets an additional $50,000 ($6,000 for runners up).