Nov 5, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vincent Rey (57) takes the field prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 31-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Vincent Rey is one of the Bengals’ most well-respected philanthropists, and the linebacker’s work in the community has earned him an award nomination.
On Thursday, Vincent Rey was nominated for the Byron “Whizzier” White NFL Man of the Year Award, which is an award handed out by the NFLPA (NFL Players Association).
Players from the Bengals were told of the criteria and given the opportunity to nominate a teammate during the NFLPA’s fall locker room visit.
Here’s what the NFLPA has to say about the Byron “Whizzier” White Man of the Year Award:
"The Byron “Whizzer” White Award is the highest honor the NFLPA can bestow on a player. The award was established by the professional football players of America to acknowledge a debt of gratitude to one of their own, Supreme Court Justice Byron Raymond “Whizzer” White—scholar, athlete, patriot, humanitarian and public servant. The NFLPA presents this prestigious annual award to the player that is just as dedicated off the field as he is on the field.-NFLPA"
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Rey has been doing philanthropic work for years, doing work with organizations such as United Way, Lighthouse Youth Services and even the Marvin Lewis Community Fund. Much of Rey’s work has been dedicated to working with children and families in need. The linebacker has even stated that he wants to become a teacher after he finishes his playing career.
Last season, Rey was the Bengals’ nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, which was ultimately given to Thomas Davis of the Carolina Panthers.
Carlos Dunlap, who is also Cincinnati’s nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, was the Bengals’ runner-up for the NFLPA’s Byron “Whizzier” White Award.
So what happens now?
"The NFLPA will review the submissions, and each nominated player will be awarded a donation for his foundation or charity of his choice. A panel of judges, composed of former Byron “Whizzer” White Award winners and NFLPA Presidents, will narrow the pool of applicants down to five finalists. The finalists will be announced in January 2016. The winner, who will receive $100,000 for his foundation or a charity of his choice, will be announced at the NFLPA’s annual Super Bowl press conference.-NFLPA"
Former Bengals who have won this award include Doug Pelfrey in 2000 and Reggie Williams in 1985.
Visit the NFLPA’s website for the full list of nominees and runners-up from each team, as well as the list of all past award-winners.