This is the Travelers 1989 NFL Man of the Year trophy awarded to Warren Moon and coming from the Hall of Famer's personal collection, the renowned Gladiator statue that was created by legendary sculptor Daniel Schwartz. The NFL Man of the Year Award, renamed in 1999 as the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, is given annually by the National Football League honoring a player's volunteer and charity work, as well as his excellence on the field. Prior to 1999, it was called simply the NFL Man of the Year Award. Shortly after Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton died (having been the 1977 recipient himself), the award was renamed to honor his legacy as a humanitarian. Each year, a winner is selected from 32 nominees from the 32 different teams. A panel of judges, which includes the Commissioner of the NFL, Connie Payton (widow of Walter Payton), the previous year's winner, and a number of former players, selects the winner of the award. The Man of the Year winner receives a $25,000 donation in his name to a charity of his choice. The other 31 finalists also receive donations in their name of $1,000 each to charities of their choice.
The 19-inch high bronze piece rests atop a 6 1/2-square-inch marble base that is 2 inches high. The distinctive sculpture, showing an iconic football player in a cape on the sidelines, is, in conjunction with the marble base, a remarkably heavy piece that startles a first-time holder. A 6 1/4" by 2" metal plaque at the front of the marble piece says "The Travelers 1989 NFL Man of the Year Warren Moon." On the opposite side of the marble base, Moon has provided a bold, black Sharpie autograph and added his No. 1 and HOF '06 inscriptions. All elements appear to be in largely as-issued and problem-free condition.
LOA from Warren Moon.
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.