In November, lifelong Seahawks fan and humanitarian Larry Bevans was named the team’s 2022 Fan of the Year. During a recent visit to the Virginia Mason Athletic Center, Bevans was surprised by outside linebacker Boye Mafe with the news that he would also be named the 2022 NFL Fan of the Year at NFL Honors.

Debuting in 2012, NFL Honors is the league’s awards special recognizing the top players at various positions under several categories. The star-studded event annually features your favorite gridiron stars paired with top performances and highlights from the season. Awards are voted on by a nationwide panel of 50 sports journalists in the field under the Associated Press.

Three Seahawks players were finalists for awards at NFL Honors, with Geno Smith winning Comeback Player of the Year, while Tariq Woolen and Kenneth Walker III were finalists for Defensive Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the year. Tyler Lockett, meanwhile, was in attendance as the team's nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.

The NFL Fan of the Year award was created to honor those who exemplify passion both in the stands and in their communities. Bevans becomes the first Seahawks fan and third-ever fan to be named NFL Fan of the Year.

Bevans, his wife Deanna, daughter Ashley and friend Nate Thomas were recently invited to the Virginia Mason Athletic Center for a tour. What seemed to be a chance tour of the team's facilities elevated when the group met team president Chuck Arnold, who presented the Bevans family with a game ball from the team's NFC Wild Card matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Upon arriving in the team's locker room, Bevans was surprised by outside linebacker Boye Mafe, who informed an unsuspecting Bevans with the news that he was the NFL's 2022 Fan of the Year before giving him a tour of the locker room.

Adorned in his custom No. 22 "FAN OF THE YEAR" Seahawks jersey, Bevans smiled as he shook hands with front office staff, shot hoops in the team's meeting room and perused the locker room. He posed for photos with Mafe and team personnel, showing off his various Seahawks tattoos on his arms and legs. All eyes and ears were on a man whose passion has driven him to head the Southwest Washington Seattle Seahawks Booster Club.

After the 2017 Eagle Creek fire destroyed the property and homes of many throughout Oregon and Washington, the club sponsored a 50-50 raffle to raise money. Traveling through bars across the area on Seahawks game days, Bevans led the charge collecting funds to help those affected by the fires to get back on their feet.

Determination for fan of the year wasn't based on who could scream the loudest or own the most team apparel, but better who embodies the ethics of sportsmanship and community. In its selection of Bevans, the league commemorated Bevans' documented history of helping others in his area and around the Pacific-Northwest. Whether it's providing hot meals and resources for those in need throughout the Seattle area, or taking in children as foster parents for more than two decades - Larry Bevans and family live to serve others. Sponsoring tickets for kids to see their beloved Seahawks, throwing car shows to raise money for charity and providing gift baskets to foster children are just some of Bevans' philanthropic works.

The award categories for the 2023 NFL Honors ceremony.

• AP Most Valuable Player presented by Invisalign
• AP Coach of the Year
• AP Comeback Player of the Year
• AP Offensive Player of the Year presented by Microsoft Surface
• AP Defensive Player of the Year
• AP Offensive Rookie of the Year
• AP Defensive Rookie of the Year
• Best Moment of the Year
• Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year presented by Nationwide
• NFL Inspire Change Tribute
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023
• FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Year
• Salute to Service Award presented by USAA
• Bud Light Celly of the Year
• NFL Fan of the Year presented by Captain Morgan
• Deacon Jones Sack Leader Award
• Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award
• AP Assistant Coach of the Year