Veteran OL of Panthers Declines to Accept the 2025 Man of the Year Club Winner Award to Yield to a Teammate at Carolina

Can you believe it? While the entire NFL is buzzing about the most prestigious award for players who excel both on the field and in the community, a veteran offensive lineman from the Carolina Panthers has shocked everyone by refusing to accept the honor of the Walter Payton Man of the Year club winner for 2025 – just to yield it to a teammate he believes is more deserving! What's going on with this team? Let's dive into this surprising and emotional action, from the grand announcement ceremony to the reasons behind it.

It all started with an official video on Panthers.com, posted on December 4, 2025. In it, this player was informed about the award by members of the legendary band Metallica right during a team meeting. James Hetfield, Metallica's frontman, said: "You are a leader in the locker room and the community... You are the Panthers' nominee for the 2025 Walter Payton Man of the Year." Afterward, he met his family on the field at Bank of America Stadium, with his 5-year-old son Ford praising his dad as "a good teammate and leader... He likes helping others and making them feel good. He supports military personnel and families with disabled children." This award honors players who are outstanding on the field and in the community, and owners David and Nicole Tepper also commended: "He leads with passion on the field and heart in the community. That's the foundation of our organization."

This person is an instinctive protective offensive lineman, always ready to go anywhere to help. When he joined the Panthers in 2022 after success with the Rams (including winning Super Bowl LVI), he immediately became one of the most active players in community events. Despite facing ACL, knee, and biceps injuries, he overcame them with gratitude, participating in recovery and guiding young teammates. Head coach Dave Canales praised him as "a selfless person who just wants to win and help the team." As a father of three young children, he has a special concern for kids, even bringing his own to events to teach them the responsibility of caring for each other. This year, his family wore fishing-themed Halloween costumes – he was the big swordfish, and his 1-year-old son Cooper was the fisherman. "We are fortunate, so we try to help as much as possible," he once said.

And now, let's reveal: That veteran OL is none other than Austin Corbett! But surprisingly, Corbett has declined to accept the award to yield it to his teammate Derrick Brown – the outstanding defensive tackle of the Panthers, who also has countless community contributions like supporting underprivileged children and local charity programs. Corbett feels Brown is more deserving with all his silent efforts for the team and society.

Corbett couldn't hide his emotions: "I am incredibly grateful for this award, but my heart tells me that Derrick Brown is the one who truly deserves it – he has sacrificed quietly for the community and the team more than I can imagine, and I am proud to yield this honor to honor my brother!"

Nevertheless, Corbett's community activities are still admirable: Collaborating with Joel Bitonio to organize the 4th youth football camp in Nevada, participating in Panthers' Keep Pounding Day, greeting children from Levine Children's Hospital and military guests at games, buying Uncrustables and personally delivering them to a struggling local high school team, supporting 50 families (120 children) through A Kid Again with Halloween costumes, uplifting Make-A-Wish kids, and visiting hospitals. "My wife and I always say that we are called to serve people," Corbett shared. "And it doesn't matter who, where, or when. We are fully committed with our time."

Fans can vote for nominees through the official link on nfl.com. But with this action, Corbett has proven he is not just a player, but a true human being. What do you think about his decision? Share your thoughts below!