Miami, FL (Sports Network) - Kansas City Chiefs guard Brian Waters was named the 2009 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in a ceremony prior to Super Bowl XLIV.

Waters, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, is the fifth Chiefs player to win the award, the highest total of any team in the league.

"I am so appreciative of my wife, family, the National Football League, the Kansas City Chiefs and my teammates for their support," said Waters. "Most of all I am thankful to the many organizations and families that partner with the 54 Foundation. Their generosity and kindness have been a blessing to us. It is an honor to be considered for, and to win this illustrious award. I hope that I can be an encouragement to others to get involved and impact their own communities."

Waters, a 10-year veteran, established the Brian Waters 54 foundation in 2004 and his foundation has awarded 82 college scholarships to low-income students. Also, his back-to-school programs has helped thousands of children with backpacks full of school supplies, haircuts, uniforms, shoes, immunizations and dental care.

"We are extremely proud of Brian's history of service to the Kansas City community, and he is very deserving of this tremendous honor," said Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said. "Being good stewards of our role in the community is an important point of emphasis for our organization, and Brian is one in a long line of players, coaches and other members of the Chiefs family who dedicate time, resources and most importantly, compassion to our community. We congratulate Brian on this outstanding recognition."

Over his 10 seasons in the NFL, Waters has appeared in 147 games and started 133 of them. He went to the Pro Bowl in 2004, '05, '06 and '08.