It's all about making nice before the big Super Bowl war on Sunday. On Saturday night, the NFL will present the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award to the player who displayed the biggest dedication to philanthropy and community impact during the season. The NFL created the award in 1999 in memory of the Hall of Fame Chicago Bears running back and his humanitarian efforts in the community, particularly those regarding organ donation awareness. Today, the Payton Award includes $1 million in funds from the NFL Foundation, United Way Worldwide, and Nationwide—$500,000 of which goes to a charity of the winner’s choosing. The two runners up will take $125,000 each to the charity they designate. Here are this year’s three finalists:
Eli Manning, New York Giants
The two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback's list of charity work rivals his list of accomplishments on the field. Primarily, Manning works with charities that involve kids, including his seven-year stint chairing the New York March for Babies, a part of the March of Dimes. He also works with Tackle Kids' Cancer, the American Red Cross, and Guiding Eyes for the Blind. If Manning takes home the Payton Award, he'll be the first Giant ever to do so.
Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
After 13 years, this may be the veteran receiver's last year in the NFL, but it won't be his last for giving back. The long-time Cardinal's work off the field includes donating technology, including laptops and PCs, to schools and donating funds for books, chess tournaments, and playgrounds to schools in Phoenix. The 10-time Pro Bowler and Minneapolis native also donates funds for Minneapolis school field trips, books, and science supplies, as well as donating 1000 of the most advanced helmets to youth football in Minnesota. His First Down Fund also supports "kids and families in crisis and health-related organizations."
Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers
The Panthers' all-time leader in receiving yards and receptions for a tight end founded Receptions for Research in honor of his mother, a breast cancer survivor. The group's HEARTest Yard's efforts include providing "families of babies affected by congenital heart disease with a multitude of services including in-home, private nursing care, physical therapy and speech therapy." In addition, the foundation seeks to fund cancer research and provides outreach for education. Celebs ranging from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to Dale Earnhardt Jr. have helped Olsen with his charitable endeavors.
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
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Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.