One of the most prestigious awards in the NFL is the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, which honors an NFL player's contributions away from the football field.
Winners are usually praised for their incredible work, but Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, the 2022 recipient, received boos from Eagles fans ahead of Super Bowl LVII.
Dallas is one of Philadelphia's fiercest rivals, and Eagles fans weren't willing to bury the hatchet in the moments before the Super Bowl kicked off as Prescott was showered with boos when he was highlighted before the game.
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott receiving the Walter Payton Man of the Year award before the Super Bowl in Arizona. Eagles fans booing him.
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) February 12, 2023
Dak laughs: “Philly fans.” pic.twitter.com/3R8Ofjon5X
The reactions online spanned from those who appreciated hearing Philly fans staying true to themselves and those who expected the Eagles faithful to applaud Prescott's well-earned award.
Philadelphia fans booing Dak Prescott for winning the Walter Payton Man of the Year award is *not* the classiest gesture.
— Aaron Schatz (@FO_ASchatz) February 12, 2023
Dak Prescott booed lustily by Philly fans after being announced as the Walter Payton Man of the Year
— Danny Kelly (@DannyBKelly) February 12, 2023
Eagles fans booing Dak Prescott as he receives the Walter Payton Man of the Year award is peakkkkk eagles
— Zach Schwartz (@zachzachzach) February 12, 2023
Cmon you can’t boo the Walter Payton Man of the Year!!!
— Cari Champion (@CariChampion) February 12, 2023
Eagle fans booing Dak Prescott as he receives the Walter Payton man of the year award is so incredibly on brand.
— Taylor Lewan (@TaylorLewan77) February 12, 2023
What a fan base.
Come on man. Dak Prescott introduced as Walter Payton Man of the Year award winner and booed heavily. You don’t have to be a fan of his playing but give it up for his community service. He’s a good dude. Come on
— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) February 12, 2023
As CBS News noted following his Walter Payton Man of the Year award win on Thursday, "Prescott's Faith Fight Finish foundation has raised funds for several causes, including colon cancer research. The quarterback has also been very open about suicide prevention and mental health."
No one should be surprised that Eagles fans in attendance saw an opportunity to boo a fierce rival and ran with it.
But as a rule, it's never a good idea to jeer someone being celebrated for their charitable work.
Instead, Philly fans showed Prescott love in a way only they can.
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