The platform, which will continue through the duration of Nationwide’s partnership with the league, officially kicks off in September with appreciation games that will recognize each club’s community partner during a home match.

“All of our clubs are situated within passionate, tight-knit communities, and it’s important for our teams to give back to their cities and fanbases in meaningful ways,” said NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird. “We’re so excited to launch this incredible program and can’t thank Nationwide enough for helping us serve our communities. We hope that through this project our teams can continue to leave a positive impact on their communities in more ways than one.”

As part of the league-wide initiative, each team will partner with Nationwide to select one season-long community partner. Each community organization will receive a grant to support its program and serve as the focus of a team-led service project, with a designated player ambassador to champion the effort.

“Nationwide has a long history of aligning our values and our passion for community support to our sports partnerships. Creating this platform to showcase the great work being done in each of the NWSL club communities was a natural fit for us,” said Ramon Jones, Nationwide’s chief marketing officer. “We’re excited to see each team-community partnership come to life – especially with the support of the player ambassadors – and we look forward to presenting the first Nationwide Community Impact Award later this year.”

At the end of the season, one team-community partnership will be selected as the winner of the Nationwide Community Impact Award and their collective efforts will be honored during the 2021 NWSL Championship weekend in November. The winning community partner will receive a $20,000 donation from Nationwide to further the efforts of their program.

A full list of player ambassadors, community partners and appreciation nights can be found below.

About NWSL

The National Women’s Soccer League is a 12-team Division-I women’s professional soccer league featuring national team players from around the world. The clubs are the Chicago Red Stars, Houston Dash, North Carolina Courage, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns FC, OL Reign, NJ/NY Gotham FC, Kansas City NWSL, Washington Spirit, and Racing Louisville FC, with two California-based teams, Angel City FC and San Diego, set to join for the 2022 season. Based in Chicago, the NWSL is partners with the Canadian Soccer Association and the United States Soccer Federation.

About Nationwide

Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

“One thing I’ve learned over the years is that it’s so important to have someone you can count on to be there for you through life’s journey – especially the tough times,” said Jill. “Those ‘little moments’ where you need a trusted partner to have your back is what inspired the song for this Nationwide commercial. I’m really proud of it!”

Jill continues to put her spin on the iconic jingle as she helps Nationwide bring a fresh take on a familiar campaign. In May, Jill joined a running list of prior artists featured in Nationwide’s advertising including Tori Kelly, Rachel Platten, Brad Paisley, and Leslie Odom, Jr.

Partnering with Nationwide, Ms. Scott helped create new songs building off the “Nationwide is on your side” seven notes to demonstrate the many ways Nationwide protects its customers with extraordinary care.

“There is no doubt that Jill is bringing a new level of feeling to these commercials,” said Ramon Jones, Nationwide’s Chief Marketing Officer. “We’re seeing a great response to the first ad, and we think consumers will see themselves in the everyday moments this new ad portrays. Jill is a great ambassador for our brand, and we have enjoyed sharing with the country the incredible songs we’ve created together.”

“Care and consideration - those are traits the company and I share,” said Jill. “I’m proud to team up with Nationwide to create songs that demonstrate Nationwide’s passion for protecting its customers.”

The newest “On Your Side Soundtracks” commercial will begin appearing on broadcast, social media, and digital platforms on Sept.7.

"Even though Kentucky State emerged victorious over CSU 20-6, the real winners were the many historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that were showcased as part of the event," said Ramon Jones, chief marketing officer at Nationwide, a presenting sponsor of the event.

The popularity of the event drew a crowd of more than 20,000. Beyond the football game, activities included a career fair where Nationwide engaged with students and prospective talent, a battle of the bands, a drumline competition, and other events to highlight the experience of attending an HBCU. 

As part of its commitment to the event and to the HBCU community, Nationwide presented both Kentucky State University and Central State University checks for $25,000, which will be used for the schools’ scholarship funds.

"Nationwide was proud to be a presenting sponsor of this year’s event," Jones said. "We have a long history and talent pipeline with HBCUs across the country, so when the opportunity to support the weekend’s events came to our attention, it was a thrill to offer our support."

That long history was further demonstrated last year when Nationwide announced the formation of an alliance to connect financial firms with HBCUs to increase diversity in the financial services industry. The Financial Alliance for Racial equity was recently recognized by Investment News for its efforts to make a positive impact.

For more information on Nationwide's broader commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, click here.

The trophy presentation, complete with the traditional handshake from Tournament founder and host Jack Nicklaus, capped a week of world-class golf competition that also served to draw attention to an important philanthropic mission.

In the last 11 years as presenting sponsor of one of the PGA TOUR’s premier events, Nationwide has positioned the Memorial Tournament as its most prominent vehicle to showcase Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the life-changing work they do for kids and families who come for treatment from all over the U.S. and more than 50 countries around the world. And that extraordinary care is provided to every child, regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

“Nationwide has proudly partnered with Jack Nicklaus and the Memorial Tournament because we share common goals: Delivering a world-class golf event in our hometown while making a big difference in our community by supporting charities like Nationwide Children’s Hospital,” said Ramon Jones, Nationwide Chief Marketing Officer.

Since 2011, Nationwide and the Memorial Tournament have raised nearly $17 million for Nationwide Children’s. These funds support the Memorial Tournament Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and other areas of need at the hospital, including behavioral health, emergency services, family support and research.

In partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Memorial Tournament, Nationwide has collaborated on the Patient Champion program since 2015.

“This event is a way we can recognize some amazing kids who have overcome obstacles greater than many of us could imagine, and to celebrate their inspirational stories with a fun day at Muirfield Village Golf Club,” said Jones.

During this year’s Nationwide Invitational Pro-Am, ten Patient Champions, who were outfitted in personalized caddie bibs, were given front-row access at a tee-side viewing area to watch the PGA TOUR pros. During a break in the golf action, the Patient Champions were treated to visits from Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, as well as NFL great and Nationwide spokesman Peyton Manning. A round of famous Memorial Tournament milkshakes capped off their special day.

When asked about her experience, Patient Champion Savannah Parsons said, "This exceeded the expectations I didn't know I had.”

Columbus native and IndyCar Series driver Graham Rahal participated in the Pro-Am as a guest of Nationwide for the second time and this year brought a new perspective. “Being a new dad, the biggest thing you pray for each and every day is the health of your kid,” Rahal said. “I think everybody in this area is really blessed to have Nationwide Children's Hospital.”

“We are excited to embark on this partnership with Nationwide, a powerful brand with a long history in engaging sports fans,” said NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird. “The NWSL and Nationwide are committed to the growth of this sport, investing in our athletes and creating a platform where we can make a difference in NWSL communities together.”

As part of the multiyear partnership, Nationwide plans to work with NWSL athletes and all league cities. Within those markets are thousands of Nationwide insurance and financial professionals, and millions of Nationwide customers, who will help in driving interest in the sport and service in the community. Initiatives will include an annual service and grant project highlighting local community programs in all NWSL markets. Additionally, Nationwide and the NWSL will launch an inaugural community impact award to be presented at an annual postseason awards ceremony where a NWSL team will be recognized for its exemplary service in the community.

“Nationwide is proud to partner with this dynamic and diverse league that is growing in so many ways,” said Ramon Jones, Nationwide’s chief marketing officer. “By working with player ambassadors from each team and launching the community impact award, we’re eager to use Nationwide’s resources to showcase how the top women’s soccer players in the world excel on and off the pitch.”

The NWSL opens its 2021 season with the NWSL Challenge Cup, presented by Secret Deodorant, on April 9 with a rematch of the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup final between Chicago and Houston. The game will air live on CBS Sports Network, followed by Kansas City’s inaugural match since joining the NWSL in December 2020 against Portland Thorns FC at 10:30 p.m. EST on Paramount+, the premium streaming service from ViacomCBS.

It’s for this reason that Nationwide proudly presents the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, a recognition considered the League’s most prestigious honor. Named after the late Chicago Bears Hall of Fame running back, the award recognizes players who demonstrate excellence not only on the field, but also in their community.

This year’s winner – announced during the NFL Honors broadcast the night before Super Bowl LV – is Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. As the 2020 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, Wilson will receive a donation of $250,000 to benefit a charity of his choice, courtesy of Nationwide and the NFL Foundation.

During his nine-year career in the NFL, Wilson’s participation in efforts to support his community and help those in need have made a tremendous impact. Whether it’s work through his Why Not You Foundation (WNYF), which is dedicated to education, children’s health and fighting poverty, or his support of the Seattle Children’s Hospital, Russell has served others in a genuine way and set a positive example for NFL fans and athletes across the league.

In response to adversities created by COVID-19, this past year Russell—along with his wife Ciara—also focused energy toward social justice issues, voter registration campaigns and food security, making a personal donation of 1 million meals to Feeding America.

“It has been inspiring and humbling to see the impact these award nominees and winners have had on their communities, and Russell’s efforts certainly deserve the recognition he was awarded this weekend,” says Nationwide Chief Marketing Officer Ramon Jones. “Nationwide is proud to provide a national platform for Russell and other NFL players to help shine a national spotlight on the work they’re doing to make a difference and to encourage others to do the same.”

Wilson reinforced his passion for service as he was named the winner.

“In life, we're granted the opportunity to have an impact, no matter what sphere of influence we're around,” he said. “Walter Payton was one of the greatest examples of what he was able to do not just on the field, but more important off the field to give back and to serve and to love and to care. For me, to be able to be even mentioned with a name like Walter Payton is one of the greatest blessings I could ever have and one of the greatest honors you could ever have.”

Before Wilson was announced as this year’s winner, 2013 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year winner Charles Tillman talked to a few of the 2020 nominees about their passion projects and how they feel about being considered for the NFL’s highest honor. Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith shares how he is using his platform to inspire future entrepreneurs while San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead talks about what he is doing to provide more educational opportunities to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Since becoming the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year presenting sponsor in 2014, Nationwide’s dedication to this platform has elevated one of the NFL’s most prestigious awards to a new level. As part of our commitment, we have also donated more than $1.3 million to the foundations represented by the nominees.

To learn more about the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, visit www.nfl.com/manoftheyear.

Established by Kelce in 2015, Eighty-Seven and Running is a charitable foundation that empowers disadvantaged youth to achieve success by providing resources and support to their communities and broadening their exposure to areas like STEM, entrepreneurship, and the arts.

"This win is 100% a testament to Chiefs Kingdom. To reach over one million votes is the kind of passion and support that makes me want to run through a wall on game day,” said Kelce. “It’s an honor to play for them and support the city off the field in any way I can. It’s one of the greatest achievements of my career to be included among this deserving group of my NFL brothers who all use their platform to pay it forward."

Nationwide is the presenting sponsor of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award which is given to the player who demonstrates excellence on the field and in his community. Nationwide launched this year’s Charity Challenge on Dec. 14, 2020 to further elevate and promote the work that each of the 32 nominees are doing to improve the lives of others. The month-long social media promotion gave NFL fans the opportunity to show support for their favorite nominee and offer players a chance to secure a $25,000 contribution from Nationwide to their charity of choice.

Fans were invited to vote for their favorite nominee by using that player’s unique hashtag on Twitter. The player who received the most votes by Jan. 17, 2021 received the $25,000 contribution.

Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Isaac Rochell finished second with nearly 600,000 uses of his hashtag while Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons finished third with nearly 300,000 hashtag uses. Nationwide will contribute $10,000 and $5,000, respectively, to the charities of Rochell and Simmons.

A new component of this year’s Charity Challenge was a weekly Twitter contest where fans who replied to Nationwide with their favorite nominee had a chance to win a $100 NFL Shop gift card for themselves and $2,500 for their favorite nominee’s charity. Isaac Rochell’s fans won three of the four weekly contests earning the Charger an additional $7,500 for his cause.

During the #WPMOYChallenge promotion, fans used the 32 different team nominees’ hashtags more than 2.1 million times.

“Each year, the Nationwide Charity Challenge uses friendly competition to draw extra attention to the inspiring work these players do in their communities,” said Ramon Jones, Nationwide’s Chief Marketing Officer. “This year’s addition of the weekly #ItTakesAllofUs contest gave fans added incentive to support their favorite nominees, and help those players earn more money for their charities. Congratulations to Travis Kelce for winning this year’s Charity Challenge, as well as Isaac Rochell and Demario Davis for their weekly wins. And a big thank you to all of the nominees and fans who participated.”

The 2020 NFL season marks the seventh year of Nationwide’s sponsorship of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. Since 2014, Nationwide has contributed more than $1.3 million to the charitable foundations represented by the various nominees.

The winner of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide will be announced during the NFL Honors broadcast on Saturday, February 6, the eve of Super Bowl LV, at 9 p.m. ET on CBS.

For more information on the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide, please visit www.nfl.com/manoftheyear.

On Wednesday, Dec. 16, officials from both tournaments announced that each event had set new charitable giving records despite an unparalleled year of challenges.

2020 Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide
The 45^th playing of the prestigious Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide, contested annually at Muirfield Village Golf Club, raised a record-setting $3.1 million for Nationwide Children’s Hospital. It is the first time the Tournament’s yearly charitable giving total has topped $3 million.

“The 2020 Memorial was certainly unlike any other, but we never lost focus on the importance of charity,” said executive director Dan Sullivan. “Despite the extreme challenges, the Tournament overcame a lot of obstacles, and with the support of many, we raised the bar to set a single year giving record for Nationwide Children’s. This is an amazing accomplishment given all that we faced during the pandemic.”

Since its inception in 1976, the Memorial has eclipsed $38 million in donations to central Ohio Charities, with nearly $26 million going to Nationwide Children’s.

Nationwide Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Ramon Jones, said the announcement is a “celebration of the collaborative success in raising essential dollars for Nationwide Children’s Hospital.”

“Nationwide and the Memorial share a similar tradition of support for the hospital. This record-setting gift is a terrific example of the power of partnerships among many organizations coming together to help kids and support the life-changing work happening every day at Nationwide Children’s,” Jones added.

2020 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship
The 14^th annual Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship, hosted at The Ohio State University Golf Club – Scarlet Course, also generated record-setting charitable giving raising $2.67 million for central Ohio organizations, including $2.5 million for pediatric cancer research and treatment at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The total marks the largest single-season charitable donation raised for the hospital in the 14-year history of the Korn Ferry Tour Finals event and the fourth consecutive time the $2 million mark has been exceeded.

“The commitment that our sponsors provide year after year never disappoints,” said John Carter, president and chief operating officer for Nationwide Financial and president of the Champions of the Community, the host organization for the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship. “Their unwavering generosity was on full display in 2020 as they went above and beyond to support the tournament and Hospital despite the unprecedented times that led to a condensed pro-am schedule and competition rounds conducted without fans. We are truly grateful for their continued partnership.”

“In a year of such uncertainty, we are humbled by the donation made through the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship to our pediatric cancer program,” said Tim Robinson, CEO, Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “We are making incredible strides in pediatric cancer care thanks to the charitable spirit of the tournament’s partners, the Korn Ferry Tour, The Ohio State University Department of Athletics and all of the volunteers who contribute to this fantastic event.”

Since its beginning in 2007, the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship has donated a total of over $16.2 million in support of the hospital’s pediatric cancer program.

For more information about Nationwide Children’s Hospital or to make a donation, visit nationwidechildrens.org.

“This year has presented significant challenges for us all, from the ongoing global pandemic to the continued social injustices witnessed this year,” said NFL Commissioner ROGER GOODELL. “The 32 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominees remind us that even in the face of adversity, players continue to raise awareness and use their voice and platform to positively impact their communities. The nominees will leave lasting legacies across the country in a time when we need leadership and strength the most.”

For the third year in a row, all 32 team winners will be highlighted as nominees and recognized for their important work during the week leading up to Super Bowl LV. The 2020 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year will be announced during NFL Honors, a primetime awards special to air nationally the week of Super Bowl LV on CBS.

All 32 nominees will receive a $40,000 donation in their name to their charity of choice. The winner of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award will receive a $250,000 donation to the charity of their choice. All donations are courtesy of the NFL Foundation and Nationwide.

“Nationwide is proud to recognize an impressive class of Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominees,” said Nationwide's Chief Marketing Officer RAMON JONES. “We have long known that NFL players care about the communities where they live and play, but these 32 men have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to advocate for personal causes and inspire action to support them. Nationwide is honored to play a part in sharing their stories and supporting the tremendous work of these community champions.”

Fans are encouraged to participate in Nationwide's 6th annual Charity Challenge, a social media campaign designed to support and promote team nominees. Fans can vote on Twitter by using #WPMOYChallenge followed by their favorite nominee's last name. The player whose unique hashtag is used the most between Dec. 10 and Jan. 17 will receive a $25,000 contribution to their charity of choice, while the second and third place finishers will receive $10,000 and $5,000 donations, all courtesy of Nationwide. Hashtag information and official rules can be found at nfl.com/manoftheyear. New this year, fans can win NFL Shop gift cards and additional money for their favorite nominee’s charity. Each Monday during the #WPMOYChallenge, Nationwide will ask fans to respond on Twitter with their favorite nominee and one randomly selected fan each week will win a $100 NFL Shop gift card and $2,500 for their favorite nominee’s charity.

Beginning in 2017, the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year trophy silhouette came to life in uniform elements to further recognize past award winners and current nominees. The six current players who have won the award—DREW BREES, THOMAS DAVIS, LARRY FITZGERALD, JASON WITTEN, J.J. WATT and CALAIS CAMPBELL —continue to wear a Man of the Year patch on their jerseys to recognize their outstanding contributions to the game and to their communities. All 2020 nominees will wear a Man of the Year helmet decal beginning Week 14 and continuing through the end of the season in recognition of their accomplishments on and off the field.

For more information on the nominees and the award, visit NFL.com/manoftheyear.

Below is a list of the 2020 nominees:

For example, tournament founder and host Jack Nicklaus typically greets the winner on the 18^th green at Muirfield Village Golf Club with the traditional handshake. Instead, the Golden Bear was waiting for 2020 Tournament winner John Rahm with a congratulatory fist bump.

Despite some changes, one aspect of the Tournament that remained steadfast is Nationwide’s enduring support of the Memorial’s primary beneficiary, Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

In the last ten years as presenting sponsor of one of the PGA TOUR’s premier events, Nationwide has positioned the Memorial Tournament as its most prominent vehicle to showcase Nationwide Children’s and the life-changing work they do for kids and families who come for treatment from all over the U.S. and more than 50 countries around the world. And that world-class care is provided to every child, regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

Since 2011, Nationwide and the Memorial Tournament have raised nearly $14 million for Nationwide Children’s, including a record $1.45 million raised through this year’s Legends Luncheon, bringing the annual fundraiser’s 10-year total to more than $9 million. These funds support the Memorial Tournament Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and other areas of need at the hospital, including behavioral health, emergency services, family support and research.

Another positive that emerged from the unprecedented circumstances this year was the addition of a new charity-focused event, also benefiting Nationwide Children’s. The Nationwide Challenge, which was played on Wednesday of Tournament week, was a nine-hole team match-play exhibition featuring the eventual Memorial Tournament winner Jon Rahm and PGA TOUR winner Tony Finau against six-time European Ryder Cup team member Ian Poulter and 2010 U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell.

Team Rahm/Finau played for the Memorial Tournament NICU and Team Poulter/McDowell represented the hospital’s On Our Sleeves® national behavioral health movement. Skins and skills challenges represented a total of $300,000 in giving for Nationwide Children’s Hospital before Safelite stepped in with a $50,000 match to elevate the final donation to $350,000.

Although Rahm and Finau claimed victory over Team Poulter/McDowell, the real winners of the week were all the patients and families who are served by Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

As a way to personalize the stories of those patients and families, Nationwide annually hosts a special event during Tournament week, yet the pandemic forced an alternate opportunity this year.

“Typically, we treat eight Patient Champions and their families to a special on-course experience with VIP meet & greets during the Nationwide Invitational Official Pro-Am,” said Ramon Jones, Nationwide’s Chief Marketing Officer. “We adapted our plans this year to instead host a special pre-tournament event at Muirfield Village Golf Club where our patient champions practiced putting, made golf bag tags for PGA TOUR players, had photo opportunities on the 18th green and with the Memorial Trophy, and got a special video message from Jack and Barbara Nicklaus.”

Although the future remains uncertain, we can be sure that the Tournament’s commitment to supporting Nationwide Children’s Hospital will remain unchanged.