TEMPE, Ariz. -- Patrick Peterson's community work is what’s seen by many.

It’s why he does it, however, that’s been known by few.

Peterson was named the Arizona Cardinals Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee for the second time in three seasons on Thursday because of his charitable and community work. Through events like a golf tournament, car show and celebrity steak dinner, Peterson’s Foundation for Success raises money to promote literacy, providing books and resources for underprivileged children at schools around Arizona. Peterson has also traveled to Haiti to help rebuilding efforts in the ravaged Caribbean country.

But the reason why, at 27 years old, Peterson has been so eager to use his platform to help children stems from his grandfather, Arthur Johnson.

Growing up in South Florida, Peterson had the chance to see how Johnson interacted with others, and it rubbed off.

“He’s a very, very giving person,” Peterson said. “Always wanted to see people smile. Always wanted to see others (be) successful other than himself.”

Peterson described Johnson as a church-going man who was a good samaritan and paid his tide to the church.

They spent a lot of time together, Peterson said.

Peterson remembers driving 30 minutes each way with Johnson so he can drop off cans while listening to Johnson tell stories. Those stories helped shape Peterson into the person he’s become.

But the stories didn’t stop at childhood.

When Peterson married his wife, Antonique, in 2012, Johnson told Peterson stories about marriage and about how to be a good husband.

“My grandfather was like another father to me,” Peterson said.

“All those conversations we had, I definitely took it and ran with it.”

The talking, however, wasn’t one-sided. While Johnson told Peterson his fair share of stories, Peterson shared his dreams with his grandfather, telling Johnson about how he wanted to play in the NFL.

The older Peterson gets, the more like his grandfather he becomes.

His teammates call him an old soul. His coaches tell him he’s a good listener. He smiles, a lot -- just like his grandfather.

“I just love smiling,” he said. “I love putting smiles on people’s faces. Just that energy, the positive vibes, it just rubs off on people.”