Ben Garland was honored for his work in the community. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)
Broncos guard Ben Garland was named their 2014 Walter Payton Man of the Year recipient for his “outstanding leadership both on the field and in the community,” .
Garland, a former Air Force player who signed with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2010, co-founded and serves as the executive director of the SoDE Solution, a nonprofit that aims to end sex trafficking “through sustainable and changing economic situations,” like with his current mission of making a 15-year-old Cambodian orphanage self-sustainable.
Garland has also worked extensively with the Broncos’ high school football platform and volunteers regularly in community events with organizations including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver and the Denver Rescue Mission.
Garland will be honored during Sunday’s game against the Bills at Sports Authority Field, and the Broncos will make a $10,000 donation to a charity of his choice. His name will be submitted for consideration for the NFL’s national award, which will be announced during Super Bowl week. Two finalists for the national award will be announced later this month. The winner will receive a $50,000 donation to the charity of his choice.
Previous Broncos nominees for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award include LB Wesley Woodyard (2010-11, 2013), G Zane Beadles (2012), CB Champ Bailey (2008-09), CB Domonique Foxworth (2007), WR Rod Smith (2004, 2006), S John Lynch (2005), LB Ian Gold (2003) and WR Ed McCaffrey (2002).
John Elway (1992) is the only Bronco in history to win the national award.
Also announced Thursday were four Denver apommunity Champion Award winners: S David Bruton, TE, Virgil Green, LB Steven Johnson and DE DeMarcus Ware. LB Corey Nelson was the named the Broncos’ first Community Rookie of the Year.
