Cincy Hats celebrates co-founder Ted Karras’ Walter Payton Man of the Year nomination

Ted Karras, center for the Cincinnati Bengals and co-founder of Cincy Hats — an official partner of Imperial Headwear — has been named the Bengals’ 2025 Walter Payton Man of the Year Club winner. Karras was selected as the team’s nominee on Dec. 4, 2025. This is Karras’ second nomination. The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award will be announced at the NFL Honors ceremony on Feb. 5, 2026.

The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is presented annually to an NFL player who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to philanthropy and community impact, alongside excellence on the field. Through Cincy Hats, Ted Karras works closely with Imperial Headwear to curate headwear collections sold worldwide, with proceeds benefiting his adopted charity, Village of Merici, which provides support services and independent living opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities.

Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Village of Merici provides a wide range of support services to individuals and families across Indianapolis and the surrounding counties. In addition to individualized services, the organization offers affordable supportive housing through Merici Village Apartments, North End Apartments, and its newest community, The Brunette. These housing options promote independent, self-directed living while fostering a sense of belonging and community that is often difficult to achieve through state or federal programs.

Through this partnership, Imperial collaborates with co-founders Ted Karras, Matt Renie, and the entire Cincy Hats team to produce high-quality headwear in support of this philanthropic initiative. Cincy Hats have continued to gain momentum, with their designs worn by Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, country singer Luke Combs, and comedian Shane Gillis.