Fitzgerald named NFL's co-Man of the Year

6th Annual NFL Honors - Arrivals

HOUSTON -- Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Giants quarterback Eli Manning shared the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

"Quite simply this is the most meaningful honor an NFL player can receive, and I am flattered beyond words that the selection committee deemed me worthy of it," Fitzgerald said. "More than anything it is a reflection on my parents whose words and example taught my brother and me the value of service and the importance of giving back."

Manning called it "an honor to be mentioned in the same breath with Walter Payton."

Fitzgerald now joins Kurt Warner (2008) as the only players in Cardinals history to be named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.

This marks the third time that the award has gone to co-winners. In 2006, quarterback Drew Brees and running back LaDainian Tomlinson were co-winners and in 2000 linebacker Derrick Brooks and defensive tackle Jim Flanigan shared the award.