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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11/15/16 http://twitter.com/NFL345

32 PLAYER NOMINEES FOR 2016 ART ROONEY SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD ANNOUNCED

-- WINNER TO BE REVEALED AT NFL HONORS BEFORE LI --

The 32 player nominees for the third 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 who exemplify outstanding sportsmanship on the field.

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

The winner of the NFL Sportsmanship Award is determined by a vote of current NFL players. 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 panel is comprised of WARRICK DUNN, CURTIS MARTIN, KARL MECKLENBURG and LEONARD WHEELER.

The eight finalists will be listed on the ballot under the NFL Sportsmanship Award category when players vote on Friday, December 16. 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.

Last year, the players selected of the Oakland Raiders as the recipient of the 2015 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. LARRY FITZGERALD of the was the inaugural winner of the award in 2014.

The winner selected by the vote of the players will be announced during the nationally televised NFL Honors show on Saturday, February 4 on FOX, the night before Super Bowl LI. 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.

2016 ART ROONEY SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD NOMINEES

TEAM NOMINEE Arizona Cardinals DT Calais Campbell FB Patrick DiMarco G Marshal Yanda DT Kyle Williams TE Greg Olsen LB Sam Acho WR A.J. Green T Joe Thomas CB LB DeMarcus Ware Detroit Lions S Glover Quin Green Bay Packers LB Houston Texans LB Brian Cushing Indianapolis Colts RB Frank Gore LB Paul Posluszny City Chiefs LB DE Robert Quinn T CB S Devin McCourty T Zach Strief WR Victor Cruz WR Brandon Marshall Oakland Raiders QB RB Darren Sproles LB Arthur Moats San Diego Chargers QB T Joe Staley Seattle Seahawks WR DT Gerald McCoy Tennessee Titans QB Marcus Mariota Washington Redskins QB Kirk Cousins

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