When the results finally came back, Braylee was diagnosed with a malignant mixed germ cell ovarian tumor, a rare, aggressive type of cancer that is a combination of two or more types of germ cell tumors.

After meeting with the hospital’s oncology team immediately following the diagnosis, Braylee had a port installed and began chemotherapy. After enduring several rounds of chemo and spending her 12^th birthday at Nationwide Children’s, Braylee completed her treatment plan in January 2024. Just a few weeks later, the family received the wonderful news that the scans showed no sign of the tumor and no further treatment was needed. 

Now 14 years old, the eighth grader who aspires to be either a family physician or pediatric psychiatrist has a message of encouragement for anyone facing health challenges. “Keep going. You will get there. You’re in the tunnel, and the tunnel might be long, but it doesn’t stay dark forever.”

Braylee’s courageous spirit was celebrated at the 16^th annual Legends Luncheon presented by Nationwide, where Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, along with son Jack II and his wife Alli, announced Braylee as the 2026 Nicklaus Youth Spirit Award recipient. The award honors a patient champion who has shown strength and positivity in the face of adversity. The recognition is a highlight of the Legends Luncheon, an annual event hosted by the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday, that showcases the Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation alliance.

“Stories like Braylee’s reinforce why Nationwide is proud to support Nationwide Children’s Hospital and its commitment to ensuring that children and families receive exceptional care when they need it most,” said Ann Bair, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Nationwide.

This year’s event raised $1.5 million for the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and Nationwide Children’s Hospital alliance, bringing the 16-year total to nearly $18 million. All proceeds of the Legends Luncheon directly benefit the young patients and families that Nationwide Children’s compassionately serves each day.

Learn how you can support the work being done at Nationwide Children's Hospital. 

After recognizing numerous players and coaches for their on-field accomplishments, the primetime program concluded with the announcement of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide. 2024 Man of the Year Arik Armstead had the honor of revealing Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner as the 2025 recipient. 

The prestigious award that celebrates the enduring legacy of the late, great Chicago Bears running back was established in 1970 and posthumously renamed in Payton’s honor in 1999. It recognizes an NFL player who excels both on the field and in service to his community. Wagner becomes the third player from the Washington franchise to win the award, following Darrell Green (1996) and Joe Theismann (1982).  

Wagner has leveraged his platform to uplift others through mentorship, youth empowerment, and health advocacy, transforming personal loss into purpose through initiatives like FAST54 and the Phenia Mae Fund, named in honor of his late mother. FAST54 and the Phenia Mae Fund have become central to his nationwide work in stroke awareness, education, and patient support—educating thousands while funding critical care, therapies, and emotional resources for families.

Wagner has also prioritized expanding opportunity for young people through his Tackle Everything Tech Tour, connecting high school and college students—particularly from underserved communities—with leaders in technology, entrepreneurship, and venture capital at organizations such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Andreessen Horowitz.

More recently, Wagner has deepened his impact in the Washington, D.C. area, launching a landmark 2025 partnership between the Phenia Mae Fund and Children’s National Hospital to support pediatric stroke care, research, and education, while personally engaging patients and creating memorable experiences for young survivors. These efforts, including the continued expansion of the Tech Tour with students from Prince George’s County and Howard University, reflect Wagner’s enduring commitment to creating access, awareness, and opportunity in the communities he serves.

In honor of Wagner’s outstanding philanthropic contributions, the charity of his choice will receive a donation of up to $250,000. In addition, the charitable beneficiaries designated by the other 31 club winners will each receive a donation of up to $40,000. All donations are courtesy of the NFL Foundation and the Nationwide Foundation.  

“Nationwide is honored to congratulate Bobby Wagner and celebrate his dedication to improving the lives of others,” said Ann Bair, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Nationwide. “As a company that prides itself on being so much more than a business, Nationwide is proud to help showcase the transformative work Bobby and all of the club winners are doing in service to causes and communities around the league.” 

Since becoming presenting sponsor of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2014, Nationwide’s dedication to this platform has elevated one of the NFL’s most revered awards to a new level. As part of this commitment, Nationwide has donated more than $2.3 million to the charitable organizations represented by nominees and winners.  

The Nationwide Foundation has donated $2 million to the NFL Foundation to further support the charitable beneficiaries designated by the Man of the Year nominees and winners.  

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

“The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is our league’s most revered honor, celebrating players for their excellence both on and off the field,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “These 32 men represent the best of the NFL, and the incredible contributions they make to their teams and communities every day continue to keep Walter’s legacy alive.”

Below is a list of this year’s club winners:

All 32 club winners will be recognized for their achievements during the week leading up to Super Bowl LX in the Bay Area. The national winner of the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide will be announced during NFL Honors, a primetime awards special airing on Thursday, Feb. 5.

Each of this year’s club winners supports a range of causes and initiatives off the field, including uplifting underserved communities, empowering young people to lead healthy lifestyles and many other notable causes. The charitable beneficiary of each team’s club winner will receive up to $40,000, and the nonprofit chosen by the overall national winner will receive up to $250,000. All funds are donations courtesy of the NFL Foundation and the Nationwide Foundation.

Fans are once again encouraged to participate in Nationwide's annual Charity Challenge, a social media and online contest that allows fans to show support for their favorite Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year club winner. Fans can vote on X/Twitter by posting #WPMOYChallenge along with the full name/X handle of their chosen player or by voting directly on NFL.com/ManOfTheYear. The charitable beneficiary of the player who receives the most collective hashtag mentions and online votes will win an additional $35,000 donation from Nationwide, with the nonprofit partners of the runner-up and third-place finishers receiving $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. Charity Challenge voting takes place from December 4 through January 5, 2026.

“As a company deeply rooted in a culture of caring and community support, Nationwide is honored to recognize the inspiring club winners for this year’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award,” said Ann Bair, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Nationwide. “We’re proud to showcase these players and help amplify the causes they champion, celebrating the meaningful impact they’re making far beyond the field.”

First established in 1970, the national award was renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame Chicago Bears legend Walter Payton. Since then, 58 legends and players have received this esteemed award, including five current players: Arik Armstead of the Jacksonville Jaguars – who was last year’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year – Cam Heyward of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys, Russell Wilson of the New York Giants, and Calais Campbell of the Arizona Cardinals. Each of these players wears a Man of the Year patch on their jerseys throughout the season to recognize the outstanding contributions they have made to the game and their communities.

Beginning Week 14 and continuing through the end of the season, each of this year's club winners will also wear a special Man of the Year helmet decal in recognition of their accomplishments on and off the field. Select stadiums will also display goal post wraps adorned with the NFL Man of the Year trophy silhouette.

New this season, Homage will produce a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year-inspired “Gladiator” product. The product is inspired by the Man of the Year trophy and celebrates this year’s club winners. Each of the 32 club winners will receive this unique product. Fans can share how they’ve uplifted their communities and enter for a chance to win a Gladiator t-shirt at NFL.com/ManOfTheYear. Fans can also purchase a Gladiator t-shirt directly at Homage.com.

For the first time, fans now have the opportunity to purchase Arik Armstead’s jersey with the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Gladiator patch. A limited quantity of the jersey is now available for sale at NFLShop.com, Fanatics.com, and the Jaguars online store.

The NFL does not profit from the sale of Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year products, and proceeds from the products are awarded by the NFL Foundation to player-supported nonprofit partners.

To learn more about the stories of all 32 players and for more information about the award, please visit NFL.com/ManOfTheYear.

To celebrate the award, Hiatt has selected her designated Portland-area community partner, Candlelighters Oregon, to receive a $50,000 donation from Nationwide to further the organization’s ongoing work providing critical support services to families facing childhood cancer.

“Sam Hiatt exemplifies the spirit of the Lauren Holiday Impact Award through her heartfelt dedication to families - like hers - that have been affected by pediatric cancer,” said Ann Bair, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Nationwide. “Sam’s work with Candlelighters Oregon and her broader community engagement are powerful reminders of how athletes can use their platforms to create positive change. Nationwide is proud to support and celebrate Sam’s ongoing efforts to be a champion in her community.”

Since joining the Thorns, Hiatt has been deeply involved in community outreach efforts focused on youth empowerment, access to sport, and mental wellness. She has partnered with local organizations to expand opportunities for young athletes, promote healthy and active lifestyles, and foster inclusive spaces that support personal growth and connection.

For nearly five decades, Candlelighters For Children With Cancer has been on a mission that began in 1977 when five families connected in hospital hallways while their children underwent treatment. What started as a small circle of support has since grown into a vital network for families navigating pediatric cancer across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

Today, Candlelighters delivers both essential resources and a strong sense of community. The organization offers financial assistance, in-hospital programs, and safe, welcoming spaces for parents, siblings and youth. Its services also include bereavement support, culturally responsive programming for Latine families, tailored parent and teen groups, and scholarships for young survivors. All programs are provided free of charge, ensuring families can focus on what matters most: being together. Learn more at www.candlelightersoregon.org.

Established in 2024, the Lauren Holiday Impact Award, presented by Nationwide, celebrates players whose leadership embodies the values championed by Lauren Holiday - a two-time Olympic gold medalist, FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, two-time NWSL Champion, National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee, and recipient of the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian ESPY Award. Holiday’s example continues to inspire athletes across the league. This individual honor was preceded by an earlier, team-focused community platform known as the Nationwide Community Impact Award.

As part of the season-long initiative, each NWSL club nominated one player for the Lauren Holiday Impact Award and coordinated a service project with their nominee and a local nonprofit. Each organization received a $5,000 donation from the league and Nationwide to support their efforts.

Since becoming an official league partner in 2021, Nationwide has donated more than $470,000 to nonprofit organizations designated by clubs and player nominees through the Nationwide Community Impact Award (2021-2023) and the Lauren Holiday Impact Award (2024-present).

In the new spot, Manning plays a motivational speaker who, after recognizing Nationwide’s capacity to be both a great insurance AND a great financial services company, has made it his mission to spread the message that within each of us lies the potential to be so much more. 

“Peyton Manning’s unique style and comic delivery are on full display in this latest ad,” said Ann Bair, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Nationwide. “More importantly, Motivatin’ Manning continues to highlight with consumers that Nationwide is not only a leading insurance company, but we also are one of America’s largest financial services companies as well.” 

“As Motivatin’ Manning, I traded a helmet for a headset mic and had a chance to play someone that finds inspiration in Nationwide’s ability to be both a great insurance company and a great financial services company,” said Manning. “It’s a fun continuation of the series of characters that Nationwide has created, and a good reminder that people can be so much more.” 

Motivatin’ Manning debuts Thursday, September 4 on NBC during the 2025 NFL season-opening matchup between the reigning Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. Fans can expect to see more spots with Motivatin’ Manning, and other spots that feature his Nationwide teammate, NFL All-Pro running back and 2024 AP Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley, throughout the season.    

The Motivatin’ Manning persona follows previous portrayals as Paintin’ Manning, Debatin’ Manning, and Calculatin’ Manning.  

To view a complete playlist of Nationwide’s So Much More ads featuring Manning and Barkley, visit Nationwide’s YouTube channel. 

Nationwide has been an official sponsor of the National Football League since 2014. The partnership designates the insurance and financial services company as an official auto, home, life, business, agribusiness, pet insurance and retirement planning sponsor of the NFL. The partnership is also highlighted by presenting sponsorship of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. 

• Angel City FC - Katie Zelem (City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks; GPLA Leadership Academy Program)
• Bay FC - Racheal Kundananji (Soccer without Borders)
• Chicago Stars FC - Bea Franklin (Digs with Dignity)
• Gotham FC - Ryan Campbell (Katie’s Save)
• Houston Dash - Abby Smith (Kids’ Meals Houston)
• Kansas City Current - Claire Hutton (MINDDRIVE)
• North Carolina Courage - Hannah Betfort (WakeEd)
• Orlando Pride - Haley McCutcheon (Foundation for Foster Children)
• Portland Thorns FC  -  Sam Hiatt (Candlelighters Oregon)
• Racing Louisville FC - Lauren Milliet (Trees Louisville)
• San Diego Wave FC - Kyra Carusa (The Athlete Academy Foundation)
• Seattle Reign FC - Cassie Miller (Nick of Time Foundation)
• Utah Royals FC - Kate Del Fava (Primary Children's Hospital)
• Washington Spirit - Ashley Hatch (DC Scores)

Of the 14 Club nominees, one will be announced as the winner during Championship weekend. At that time, Nationwide will make a $50,000 donation to the charitable organization of the winner’s choice.

The Lauren Holiday Impact Award, presented by Nationwide, was introduced in 2024 to honor the two-time NWSL champion and Olympic gold medalist, FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee, and recipient of the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian ESPY Award Lauren Holiday. It spotlights players who exemplify dedication and commitment to giving back in service of their local communities. Holiday retired from the NWSL in 2015 following a career during which she won back-to-back championships, was named the 2013 NWSL MVP and awarded the Golden Boot, and was named the 2014 NWSL Championship MVP.

"This year's award nominees continue to set new standards for what it means to use their platform as athletes to give back,” said Lauren Holiday. “It is a privilege to highlight this incredible group of women who are committed to both their NWSL clubs and working to improve the communities that these clubs call home.”

“Since partnering with the National Women’s Soccer League to co-create this award, Nationwide has been honored to champion and drive this purposeful philanthropic platform forward,” said Ann Bair, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Nationwide. “We are proud to support and spotlight the meaningful work all of the nominees are doing, and we look forward to celebrating our 2025 Lauren Holiday Impact Award winner later this year.”

“Sports has the power to unite communities, and the NWSL is proud to be the home of athletes whose dedication to giving back exemplifies how professional sports can bring people together around shared causes,” said NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman. “This year’s Lauren Holiday Impact Award Nominees represent the best that our league has to offer when it comes to on-field talent and off-field activism.”

 For more information on the Lauren Holiday Impact Award program, click here.

About NWSL
The National Women’s Soccer League is the premier women’s professional soccer league in the world featuring national team players from around the globe. The clubs are Angel City FC, Bay FC, Boston Legacy FC, Chicago Stars, Denver FC, Houston Dash, Kansas City Current, NJ/NY Gotham FC, North Carolina Courage, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns FC, Racing Louisville FC, San Diego Wave FC, Seattle Reign FC, Utah Royals FC, and Washington Spirit.

Barkley is featured alongside longtime Nationwide spokesperson and former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning in the company’s latest commercial, which will debut during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.   In the new spot, Peyton explains to viewers that just like Nationwide is so much more than just a great insurance company, Saquon is so much more than an All-Pro running back. He’s also a player who helps his teammates stay focused during pressure situations.  

“It’s every running back’s dream to be on a great team with a great quarterback. I get both as part of my new partnership with Nationwide,” said Barkley. “To be able to work alongside Peyton Manning and Nationwide, a brand that truly cares about their customers and the community, is an honor!”  

“Saquon Barkley is one of the most well-known, well-liked and accomplished players in the NFL today,” said Ann Bair, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Nationwide. “As dynamic as he is on the field, he brings that same energy to positively impact his community. Saquon is a two-time nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, presented by Nationwide, and is a strong fit with our brand and core values. We’re thrilled to have him paired with Peyton in our latest ad campaign.” 

Nationwide’s “So Much More” advertising campaign showcases to customers that Nationwide is so much more than a great insurance company. It is one of America’s largest financial services companies, too.  Previous commercials include “Paintin’ Manning” and “Debatin’ Manning.” 

A blood culture indicated that Emersen had a bacterial infection known as methicillin-susceptible staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), which affected her heart. The MSSA caused inflammation of her heart valves and chambers, known as bacterial endocarditis. Emersen needed open-heart surgery to repair a damaged mitral valve. 

“We thought that our lives were moving forward after the surgery,” remembers Emersen’s dad, Craig, “until a routine blood test came back abnormal, requiring us to return to the hospital.”

Doctors discovered that MSSA had continued to damage Emersen’s heart, and she would need another open-heart surgery just two weeks after the first. Two weeks following the second surgery, Emersen received an additional diagnosis of a rare aneurysm in her heart requiring a third and final open-heart surgery.

After spending the next six months at Nationwide Children’s, fighting additional complications like organizing pneumonia and blood clots, including one that caused a stroke, Emersen finally began to recover. Now more than four years later, the 18-year-old is healthy and planning for her future. She will be attending The Ohio State University in the fall and plans to study psychology on a pre-med track.

Emersen’s brave spirit and perseverance were celebrated at the 15^th annual Legends Luncheon presented by Nationwide, where Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, along with son Jack II and daughter Nan O’Leary, announced Emersen as the 2025 Nicklaus Youth Spirit Award recipient. The award honors a patient champion who has shown strength and positivity in the face of adversity. The recognition is a highlight of the Legends Luncheon, an annual event hosted by the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday, that puts a spotlight on the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and Nationwide Children’s Hospital alliance.

Upon receiving this year’s Nicklaus Youth Spirit Award, Emersen said, “My time in the hospital left me with a deep sense of gratitude and a desire to give back. I will be forever thankful for the doctors and nurses at Nationwide Children’s Hospital who saved my life several times during my stay and who continue to provide treatments necessary to help me live as normal of a life as possible. I want nothing more than to do the same for others one day.”

“Emersen’s incredible strength and unwavering determination truly exemplify the Nicklaus Youth Spirit Award,” said Ann Bair, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Nationwide. “As a company that prides itself on its caring culture and being ‘more than a business,’ Nationwide is honored to celebrate Emersen's journey and continue supporting Nationwide Children's vital work in serving families in need."

The 2025 Legends Luncheon raised $1.45 million, bringing the 15-year total to more than $16 million. All proceeds from the event directly benefit the young patients and families that Nationwide Children’s Hospital compassionately serves each day.

Learn how you can support the work at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

“Kristi brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in both marketing and business strategy,” Bair said. “In her new role Kristi is returning to her marketing roots. She began her career at Nationwide nearly 10 years ago to support our Nationwide Retirement Solutions marketing strategy.”  

As leader of the Nationwide Retirement Institute, Rodriguez drove business growth by expanding service offerings and delivering crucial content and consultation to financial services intermediaries. She regularly serves as a media voice for the company, advancing Nationwide’s position as an industry thought leader.  

Moving forward, the Nationwide Retirement Institute team will be integrated into the Nationwide Financial Marketing team led by Rodriguez, continuing to be an engine for thought leadership and business enablement. 

As a marketer earlier in her career at Nationwide, she led marketing strategy for Nationwide Retirement Solutions, supporting sales teams and aiding distribution with key clients. Prior to joining Nationwide, Kristi served as a marketing leader for over 15 years in the health care industry. 

“Kristi’s ability to integrate marketing initiatives with business objectives and her deep understanding of our customers’ and partners’ needs will be invaluable as we navigate the evolving financial landscape,” Bair said. “Her expertise will help us strengthen our market position and drive continued growth.” 

Kristi Rodriguez graduated from Hampton University with a degree in finance and later completed the consumer marketing strategy executive training program at Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. 

“Under Ramon’s leadership, Nationwide’s iconic brand has flourished, gaining increased recognition among intermediaries and consumers,” said Nationwide Chief Executive Officer Kirt Walker. “As he retires to spend more time with family, we are pleased to announce that Ann Bair, a 19-year Nationwider, will take on this important role for our brand.”

As CMO, Bair will serve on Nationwide’s leadership team reporting to Walker. She will be responsible for managing Nationwide’s brand. This includes marketing strategy, advertising, creative services, social media, corporate communications and events in support of Nationwide’s vision to be the most trusted, most caring, most customer-focused protection company.

Bair has held numerous leadership roles for Nationwide including senior vice president, Nationwide Financial Marketing and senior vice president, chief digital officer. She served in several vice president roles overseeing marketing for life insurance, regional property and casualty insurance and retirement plans.

Bair is a magna cum laude graduate of DePauw University. Within the community, she serves on the Board of Trustees for the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and is vice president on the State of Ohio History Connection Board of Trustees.

“Ann’s wealth of experience leading marketing, sales and business functions makes her the right leader at the right time for Nationwide,” said Walker. “I am confident that she is well positioned to accelerate our success as a modern mutual.”

About Nationwide
Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified financial services and insurance organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by 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; and pet, motorcycle and boat insurance.

For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

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