Anquan Boldin nominated for Walter Payton Man of the Year

It has been a rough season for the San Francisco 49ers, and today brought more unsettling news, but we can't ignore the good that NFL players are doing. On Tuesday, the NFL released a list of 32 finalists for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. Each team submits a player, along with a rundown of why they are deserving.

The San Francisco 49ers submitted wide receiver Anquan Boldin as their nominee. He has done extensive work with his Q81 Foundation to help kids get through high school and get into college. He also has done extensive work with OxFam to help African countries figure out their drought and hunger issues. These are areas that require all the help they can get, and Q is doing his part.

You can read the activities of all the nominees HERE. Below is what the 49ers submitted on behalf of Boldin:

Anquan Boldin is not only one of the most valuable players on the field, but also one of the most impactful community leaders on the 49ers. In 2004, he established the Anquan Boldin Foundation with a mission to expand the educational and life opportunities of underprivileged youth.

The Foundation offers programs throughout the year, including an eight-week Summer Enrichment Program for kids to get back on track in school and graduate on time; Thanksgiving Food Drives offering over 300 meals annually; Holiday Shopping Sprees offering over $30,000 annually to youth in Baltimore, South Florida and San Francisco; and the most popular, Q-Festival Weekend, which kicks off with a large celebrity-driven golf tournament and offers thousands of families from across the country the opportunity to enjoy a free celebrity basketball game and fun day in the park.

Anquan also recently announced that he and his wife, Dionne, will provide a charitable gift of $1 million to be used for an annual distribution of scholarships to high school graduates. Since its inception, eleven four-year scholarships have been awarded through the "Q81" Foundation Scholarship Fund.

Boldin has also been involved with Oxfam America since 2010, accompanying two overseas trips to Ethiopia and Senegal and later lobbed Senegalese rights. He began by seeking to minimize the devastation cause by the drought and hunger crisis in Ethiopia, providing $10,000 to assist the farming needs of the villagers while dedicating countless hours. It comes as no surprise to his peers and the 49ers organization that in 2014, recognition of his strong character, Boldin was presented with the prestigious Byron "Whizzer" White Award, the highest honor given to a player by the NFLPA.

How has your nominee put the needs of members in the community ahead of their own?

Boldin has also been involved with Oxfam America since 2010, accompanying two overseas trips to Ethiopia and Senegal and later lobbed Senegalese rights. He began by seeking to minimize the devastation cause by the drought and hunger crisis in Ethiopia, providing $10,000 to assist the farming needs of the villagers while dedicating countless hours. During a second trip to Africa, Boldin addressed political concerns in Senegal, later testifying as an Oxfam Ambassador before Congress.

What is your nominee's next initiative?

Annual Q-Festival Q-Fest is Boldin's signature event hosted in his hometown in Palm Beach County. For the event, he secures 30 NFL athletes, raising over $100,000 annually. The Foundation will host their 11th annual Q-Festival Weekend in April 2015, featuring a celebrity golf tournament, a celebrity basketball game, a week-long community basketball tournament for all ages, a 3-K Fitness Walk and Wellness Seminar, and the "Fun Day in the Park." All activities are free.

When did your nominee start supporting this cause?

Boldin has been an advocate for those in need since being drafted in 2003. His commitment has been consistent, sustained, significant and authentic, resulting in real change. Along with his impact off the field, Boldin has been a leader on the team since his arrival to the 49ers. His influence was felt on the field and in the locker room. For his leadership, effort and passion for the game, Boldin was named the 2013 Bill Walsh Award winner, given to the 49ers team MVP.