NEW YORK — Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, Los Angeles Chargers three-time All-Pro edge rusher Khalil Mack and Las Vegas Raiders two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby are among the eight finalists for the ninth annual Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award.
Each NFL team nominated one of its players for the award, which recognizes those who exemplify outstanding sportsmanship on the field. The award was created in 2014 to honor the late founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pro Football Hall of Famer Art Rooney Sr.
The other finalists announced Thursday are New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley, Baltimore Ravens guard Kevin Zeitler, Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker, San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk and Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner.
Juszczyk is a finalist for the fourth consecutive season while Crosby has been named a finalist for the second straight year.
Defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi was the Steelers’ nominee for the award this season.
The winner of the NFL Sportsmanship Award is determined by a vote of current NFL players and will be announced as part of the “NFL Honors” show on Feb. 8.
A panel of former players — Warrick Dunn, Larry Fitzgerald, Pro Football Hall of Famer Curtis Martin and Leonard Wheeler — selected the finalists, four from each conference. The eight finalists will be listed on the Pro Bowl ballot under the NFL Sportsmanship Award category.
“I have enjoyed the process of learning about the men that have been nominated for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award,” said Fitzgerald, who won the award in its inaugural year. “Each nominee has displayed the character of Mr. Rooney’s legacy. The award represents teamwork, competitiveness, hard work and integrity, while on the field.”
