WATCH: “You stole rugby from us!” – Prince Harry disses the $163 billion worth league during the NFL honors while presenting the ‘Walter Payton Man of the Year’ award

Harry joked that the Americans stole rugby and turned into a game where players have to wear protection and take frequent breaks.

WATCH: “You stole rugby from us!” – Prince Harry disses the $163 billion worth league during the NFL honors while presenting the ‘Walter Payton Man of the Year’ award

Prince Harry with the Walter Payton Award in Vegas (Screengrab YouTube)

Prince Harry made a surprise appearance at the annual NFL Award ceremony in Vegas on Thursday night. His participation in the event did catch a lot of attention because he was supposed to be in London with his cancer-stricken father, King Charles III‘s side.

However, there he was at the podium after making the almost 6,000-mile journey, ready to present the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. After taking center stage and wowing the entire audience, Harry tried to lighten up the room with some of his best British humor.

He stated,

I really love how [You] stole rugby from us, and you made it your own. Instead of passing it backwards, just pass it forwards. Why not wear pads and a helmet? Of course, we have an offense and a defense. And why not take a breather every 15 seconds? And you know what? Instead of 10 months, let's make it 18 weeks.

Prince Harry presented the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

Not just the paparazzi but also those who attended the award ceremony probably were not expecting to see Prince Harry in Vegas. They all laughed at every word that was coming out of his mouth.

WATCH: "You stole rugby from us!" - Prince Harry disses the $163 billion worth league during the NFL honors while presenting the 'Walter Payton Man of the Year' award
Cam Heyward (Image via Imago)

Now it was time to announce the recipient of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. The 39-year-old British Royal Prince continued,

All you guys do on and off the field is truly remarkable. You are role models for millions in the way you carry yourselves and in the way you give back.

The award went to Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward, who edged out names like Roquan Smith, Patrick Mahomes, Maxx Crosby, and Saquon Barkley. After taking the award from the hands of Prince Harry, Heyward said,

Prince freakin' Harry, I'm just shocked; that's Prince Harry.

Harry then called Heyward a player who goes “above and beyond” and noted that his “extraordinary commitment to helping others is a reflection of his own story.”

The 34-year-old Heyward received the honor primarily for his work for The Heyward House. He founded the organization back in 2015 to help kids from various backgrounds in need of extra support.

Heyward lost his father very early in his childhood. He also suffered from acute asthma. As a result, he was always skeptical of becoming a professional football player. Heyward said, 

When I talk about my dad, he wore No. 34. He’s been with me every step of the way. But I know there was another No. 34 that was helping me. This man, Walter Payton.

Harry is scheduled to travel to Canada with his wife, Meghan Markle. As for Heyward, he will enter the last year of his Steelers contract.

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