FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11/14/18 http://twitter.com/NFL345

32 PLAYER NOMINEES FOR 2018 ART ROONEY SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD ANNOUNCED

-- WINNER TO BE REVEALED AT NFL HONORS BEFORE SUPER BOWL LIII --

The 32 player nominees for the fifth annual ART ROONEY SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD have been finalized, the NFL announced today. Each NFL team nominated one of its players for the award, which recognizes players around the league who exemplify outstanding sportsmanship on the field.

The award was created in 2014 in honor of the late founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pro Football Hall of Famer ART ROONEY, SR.

A panel of former players from the NFL Legends Community will select eight finalists (four in the AFC and four in the NFC) from the 32 nominees. The eight finalists will be listed on the ballot under the NFL Sportsmanship Award category when players vote on Friday, December 14.

The winner of the NFL Sportsmanship Award is determined by a vote of current NFL players. From the eight finalists, each team’s players will submit a consensus vote of their choice for the winner. As in Pro Bowl voting, a team cannot vote for its own player.

The award is presented each year to an NFL player who best demonstrates the qualities of on-field sportsmanship, including fair play, respect for the game and opponents, and integrity in competition.

PAST RECIPIENTS OF THE ART ROONEY SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD YEAR PLAYER TEAM 2017 LB Luke Kuechly Carolina Panthers 2016 RB Frank Gore Indianapolis Colts 2015 CB Charles Woodson Oakland Raiders 2014 WR Larry Fitzgerald

The winner selected by the vote of the players will be announced during the nationally televised NFL Honors show on Saturday, February 2 on CBS, the night before Super Bowl LIII. He will receive a $25,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to a charity of his choice. He will also receive a trophy that represents the important role that sportsmanship plays in the game and how NFL players that demonstrate integrity and honor on the field serve as role models for players at all levels.

2018 ART ROONEY SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD NOMINEES TEAM NOMINEE Arizona Cardinals DT Corey Peters Atlanta Falcons C Alex Mack S Eric Weddle Buffalo Bills DT Kyle Williams Carolina Panthers DE Julius Peppers Chicago Bears C Cody Whitehair WR A.J. Green Cleveland Browns OL Joel Bitonio Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott DT Domata Peko LS Don Muhlbach Green Bay Packers CB Tramon Williams Houston Texans CB Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck Jacksonville Jaguars DE Calais Campbell Kansas City Chiefs WR Sammy Watkins Los Angeles Chargers TE Antonio Gates Los Angeles Rams RB Todd Gurley Miami Dolphins RB Frank Gore DE Danielle Hunter New England Patriots WR Matthew Slater New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees New York Giants TE Rhett Ellison New York Jets DL Steve McLendon Oakland Raiders QB Derek Carr Philadelphia Eagles QB Carson Wentz Pittsburgh Steelers G David DeCastro San Francisco 49ers T Joe Staley Seattle Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB Lavonte David Tennessee Titans QB Marcus Mariota Washington Redskins TE Vernon Davis

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