By Rachel Terrill, Player Engagement Insider
Joe Reitz’s solid play on the field and earnest commitment to giving back off the field make him a clear choice for the Indianapolis Colts’ Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.
The offensive tackle was humbled to hear that he was nominated. “There are several men who are deserving of this award, guys that are Hall-of-Famers on and off the field, so when I found out, I was a little surprised, humbled and very honored,” he said.
On the field, Reitz is a dependable offensive lineman who has played right tackle, right guard, left tackle and left guard. He played collegiate basketball at Western Michigan before being signed by the Baltimore Ravens in 2008 because of his athleticism and build. Nine seasons later, Reitz is in his seventh season with the Colts. He’s played in 73 games with 44 starts.
Off the field, Reitz is just as committed to success. Playing for the Colts is a dream come true for Reitz, who grew up in Fishers, a suburb of Indianapolis. Giving back to the community where he was raised just makes sense for Reitz. “I was lucky to be raised in a great community and a great church (St. Louis de Montfort in Fishers). I believe that it takes "a village to raise a child" and I definitely benefitted from that. Now, I want to be a part of the village that helps our children grow to be great men and women too.”
Reitz believes it is his responsibility as an NFL player to do the right thing and help others.
“As professional athletes, we are role models whether we want to be or not. Kids are always going to look up to NFL players, just as I did growing up. With the impact we can have, it’s important to set a good example for the next generation of kids.”
As a way of giving back, Reitz hosted football camps at local high schools, he participated in the Colts Father/Son camp, and he hosted "A Day with Joe Reitz" camp with the kids of St. Louis de Montfort focusing on faith, family and football. In 2015, Reitz also hosted a Special Olympics mini combine.
Reitz donates 20 tickets and meal vouchers to under-served and homeless youth in Indiana as part of the Colts’ Community Ticket Block program to each game.
In addition to hosting football camps and giving away game tickets, Reitz also supported homeless relief efforts in a Tackling Homelessness event for Horizon House. He also partnered with The Lord's Pantry at Anna's House to host a “Super Bowl Saturday” with youth from St. Louis de Montfort to help those in need.
“I believe that we are called to give back to the community,’ said Reitz. “I know the good Lord has blessed with me an amazing platform to give back and to serve others, following the path that Jesus Christ the great servant has shown us.”
As a father of three - with another child on the way - Reitz is passionate about fatherhood and jumped at the opportunity to get involved with All Pro Dad. He is a regular guest speaker at various All Pro Dad breakfast events and he has hosted two All Pro Dad events at the Colts practice facility.
To the greater Indianapolis community, Reitz is a clear choice for Man of the Year award. To Reitz’ wife, Jill, he has always been Man of the Year.
“It's really rare these days to find men and fathers who exemplify the qualities that embody The Man of the Year Award,” she said. “Joe lives by the saying ‘To whom much is given, much is expected.’ I'm so proud to be his wife. Award or not, he will always be and has always been OUR Man of the Year.”
The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award is presented annually to an NFL player who exemplifies excellence both on and off the field. The winner of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award will receive a $500,000 donation in his name for the charity of his choice and two finalists will each receive a $125,000 donation for a charity of their choice. The additional 29 winners will each receive $50,000 for a charity of their choice.
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Rachel Terrill has researched and written about relationships and marriages of professional athletes for over 13 years. She earned her Ph.D. in Communication from The University of South Florida. Rachel teaches at Northwest University and serves as a family advisor for the Football Players Health Study at Harvard University. Her work has been featured in radio, television, online, and print publications. Rachel is the wife of Craig Terrill, who played for the Seattle Seahawks from 2004-2011. She can be reached at www.rachelterrill.com