THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK -- Brian Dawkins of Philadelphia and Kurt Warner of Arizona, who will face each other in Sunday's NFC championship game, are finalists for the NFL's Man of the Year award.

Matt Birk of Minnesota is also a finalist for the award, named for the late Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, which goes annually to the player who combines on-field excellence with off-the-field community service.

The winner will be announced before the Super Bowl on Feb. 1.

Warner, who at 37 quarterbacked the Cardinals to their first championship game in 60 years, created a partnership with Habitat for Humanity to sponsor construction throughout the Midwest. He has raised over $450,000, including a $100,000 personal contribution, $100,000 from his foundation, and $100,000 each from the Cardinals and the NFL Disaster Relief Fund.

Dawkins, the Eagles' six-time Pro Bowl safety, was selected 2008 Father of the Year by the American Diabetes Association. He contributed $10,000 to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in the names of his twin daughters, who faced complications from a premature birth. He also provides a local high school football player for game tickets each week.

Birk has been the Vikings' man of the year seven straight times. He has established the HIKE Foundation -- for hope, inspiration and knowledge to help give educational opportunities and resources to youngsters in Minnesota's Twin Cities. For the last two years, he has donated part of his salary to help retired players in need.