Trey McBride Named Cardinals Walter Payton Man Of The Year

During the offseason, McBride took part in the NFL’s USO program, traveling abroad to Poland to visit United States service members. He’s helped run girls flag football clinics, even attended the first high school girls flag football game to be produced and aired on TV. McBride has frequently visited schools throughout the Valley, and earlier in the week, he was one of the Cardinals players to host a holiday shopping spree with underprivileged kids.

As a kid in Colorado, giving back was a part of McBride’s upbringing. When he was young, his parents would take McBride and his brothers to community service events. His brothers, who McBride shares a very close relationship with and were the first people he called after being nominated, also participated in Special Olympics.

“It’s been around my life the whole time,” McBride said. “To have so many kids look up to me, the least I can do is give back to the kids and give back to the community that’s done so much for me.”

Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill was the one to share the news that McBride would represent the team for the NFL’s most prestigious individual award. The two recently served Thanksgiving meals together at Phoenix Rescue Mission for the team’s 22^nd annual “Feed the Hungry” event.

“So many of our players go above and beyond in terms of giving back and making a positive impact on our communities,” Bidwill said. “Singling out one is always challenging but the work Trey has done in his three years as a Cardinal has been exceptional.”

McBride’s success off the field lines up with his emergence on the gridiron. After bursting on the scene in his sophomore season, McBride’s third year finds him as the focal point in the offense. In 11 games, McBride has 73 receptions for 781.

And now he’ll wear the Walter Payton Man of the Year decal on his helmet for the rest of the season as the Cardinals make a push for the playoffs.

“This (award) is one of the ones that fills your cup the most,” McBride said. “I’ve been a great football player, but this is bigger than it all.”