There is an AFC West quarterback who is a man of great faith and good deeds and — here’s the catch — is not named Tim Tebow.

Philip Rivers of the San Diego Chargers is among the league leaders in contributions.

In 2010, he and his wife founded the Rivers of Hope Foundation, which helps abandoned and orphaned children find loving homes. So far, the foundation has raised more than $650,000.

Rivers also was part of the answer to 17-year-old Christian Galeana’s Make-A-Wish request of meeting his football heroes.

"They granted his wish, and his wish was to come to the Pro Bowl," Rene Galeana said of his son, who is recovering from lymphoma. "He was excited. He couldn’t believe it. None of us could believe it, especially after the tough couple of years we’ve had."

Cradling an autographed football, Christian Galeana described the experience at a Pro Bowl practice as "surreal." He said Rivers is "a good guy. He’s pretty amazing."

Anna Isaacson, the NFL’s director of community affairs, said Rivers is "really comfortable working with kids. He has six kids of his own. He’s very natural."

Rivers is one of three finalists for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which recognizes a player’s on- and off-field accomplishments.

"He’s a great guy," running back Ryan Mathews said of his Chargers teammate. "He does big things in the locker room. He’s a guy you can look up to."

This past week, a horn sounded signaling the end of a Pro Bowl post-practice autograph session. Rivers kept signings caps, mini helmets, T-shirts and hands.

"I’m mostly trying to lead by example," Rivers said. "I do take a great deal of pride in the role-model aspect. I do think that kids today look up to people in the sports world. Who knows the little things you can do that can have an impact on young people. I take that responsibility seriously."

That message was ingrained watching his father, a coach, work with players.

"Growing up around the game, and seeing the impact sports has on others, it’s more than a game," Rivers said. "There are life lessons to be learned."

Rivers said he is open about sharing his Christian faith.

"I am very proud of it," Rivers said. "I prioritize it as faith, family and football. Those three. I’m certainly open to sharing when I get the opportunity."

Rivers, who will be playing in his fourth Pro Bowl, has been a factor in two of the most significant transactions in Chargers history. In 2004, the New York Giants drafted Rivers, then traded him to the Chargers for Eli Manning. After the 2005 season, the Chargers did not re-sign Drew Brees, opening the way for Rivers to claim the starting job.

Since then, Rivers has become the Chargers’ offensive leader.

"He has emerged to being one of the better quarterbacks in this league," Chargers tight end Antonio Gates said. "Not only from the talent perspective, but in terms of understanding the game, in terms of initiating leadership, in terms of making the right throws, making the deep-ball throw. He’s definitely grown, and it’s been at an unbelievable pace."