Outside linebacker Sam Acho was named the Bears’ nominee for the 2016 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which recognizes a player’s efforts in the community. The award winner is announced during Super Bowl week.
Acho, a six-year veteran, has a unique story. He’s been participated in mission trips to Nigeria since he was a teenager. He is currently raising funds to build hospitals in Nigeria through Living Hope Christian Ministries. It’s an organization founded by his parents, who are from Nigeria.
“Playing for the Chicago Bears and being a nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award is obviously an honor,” Acho said.
“Winning this award is special because what it means not only for what we do in the city of Chicago, but my family started 28 years ago an organization, Living Hope Christian Ministries, and they’ve been going back to Nigeria every single summer for the last 28 years.
“They’ve been going with doctors, nurses, surgeons, dentists, ophthalmologists and pharmacists and going to rural villages and giving out free medical care to people who need it.”
Longtime Bears cornerback Charles Tillman was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award winner in 2013.