The Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award is given annually to an NFL player who shows outstanding sportsmanship on the field. This year, veteran linebacker Bobby Okereke has been named the New York Giants’ nominee.
“Sportsmanship is the core of the game, the vanguard of public confidence, the keeper of game integrity,” said Troy Vincent, NFL executive vice president of football operations. “These Rooney Sportsmanship Award nominees exemplify the spirit of fair play and the values of respect, integrity, commitment to team and resiliency at the highest level of competition.”
Okereke is a force to be reckoned with on the field, as the Washington Commanders learned on Sunday when Okereke racked up 14 tackles and two forced fumbles. But he is also the consummate teammate, offering praise for rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito after the Giants’ win on Sunday.
Now in his fifth season in the NFL, Okereke spent his first four seasons as a member of the Indianapolis Colts before joining the Giants during the offseason. Over his career, he has recorded 525 tackles (356 solo, 24 for a loss), eight forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, two sacks, four interceptions, and 23 passes defensed.
A panel of former players will select eight finalists for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. Current NFL players will then vote on the eight finalists to determine the recipient.
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