Former Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Steve Wright, whose likeness became immortalized as the model for what is now the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year trophy, died June 1 at age 82 at a care facility in Augusta, Georgia. The Green Bay Packers announced his death on June 3, 2025.
Wright began his professional career after being drafted by the Packers in the fifth round of the 1964 NFL Draft. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 250 pounds, he played under legendary head coach Vince Lombardi from 1964 to 1967, appearing in 56 games with 13 starts during his tenure in Green Bay.
During his time with the Packers, Wright was part of three consecutive NFL championship teams starting in 1965. The team won the NFL Championship in 1965, followed by victories in the first two Super Bowls after the 1966 and 1967 seasons, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl I and the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl II.
Before his NFL career, Wright played college football at the University of Alabama from 1961 to 1963 under head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. The Louisville, Kentucky native was a member of Alabama’s 1961 national championship team as a sophomore. Wright attended high school in Louisville under coach Dude Hennessy, a former Bryant player who later became a Bryant assistant, which helped facilitate his connection to the Crimson Tide program.
After his initial stint with Green Bay, Wright was traded along with linebacker Tommy Crutcher to the New York Giants in April 1968 in exchange for tackle Francis Peay. He subsequently played for the Giants for two seasons before finishing his career with one-year stops at the Washington Redskins, Chicago Bears, and St. Louis Cardinals. Wright also briefly played for the Chicago Fire of the World Football League in 1974 before retiring.
Wright’s most enduring legacy came through an unexpected opportunity while playing for the New York Giants in 1969. Artist Daniel Bennett Schwartz was commissioned by the NFL to create a sculpture titled “The Gladiator” for what would become the league’s most prestigious individual honor. When Schwartz requested a player to serve as his model, the Giants organization sent Wright.
The resulting sculpture featured Wright in a distinctive pose, wearing a helmet with a cape draped across his shoulders, creating an imposing gladiator-like figure. The award debuted in 1969 as “The Gladiator Award,” with Packers Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr as the inaugural recipient. The honor was renamed the NFL Man of the Year Award in 1970 and later became the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 1999 to honor the late Chicago Bears running back.
The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is regarded as the NFL’s highest honor, recognizing players for exemplary community service alongside their distinction on the field. Despite the award’s renaming, the trophy sculpture remains unchanged, preserving Wright’s likeness for perpetuity. Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Arik Armstead was the 2024 recipient.
Wright later reflected on his unique place in NFL history with characteristic humor and humility. He described himself as the poster boy for being in the right place at the right time, acknowledging the unlikely nature of his lasting contribution to the sport. Wright joked that great players across the league would have a trophy bearing his likeness on their mantles.
Throughout his career, Wright acknowledged the demanding nature of playing for two legendary coaches known for their intensity and pursuit of perfection. He reflected on his experiences with both Bryant at Alabama and Lombardi with the Packers, noting the challenges of meeting their exacting standards. Former Alabama teammate Darwin Holt indicated that Wright struggled with Bryant’s disciplinary approach, suggesting they communicated in different languages.
Wright documented his football experiences in his 1974 book titled “I’d Rather Be Wright: Memoirs of an Itinerant Tackle,” offering insights into his career spanning both college and professional levels. Following his playing career, he worked in pharmaceutical sales and the insurance business before settling in Augusta, Georgia.
Wright holds the unique distinction of being the only player to compete on championship teams coached by both Bryant and Lombardi, two of football’s most revered figures. His NFL career spanned nine seasons from 1964 to 1972, with 101 total game appearances and over 40 starts across multiple franchises.
His legacy continues through the annual presentation of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, ensuring his contribution to the sport remains visible long after his playing days ended.