Chris Godwin named finalist for Sportsmanship Award

One of Tampa Bay’s best offensive weapons is being recognized for his sportsmanship.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin has always been known as a good locker room presence. The Bucs wide receiver was recognized for his character Wednesday and named a finalist for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. The award recognizes players who exemplify outstanding sportsmanship on the field.

“It’s an honor,” Godwin said Wednesday. “It speaks volumes to what the people in the building think about me.”

The sportsmanship award was created in 2014 and honors Pro Football Hall of Famer Art Rooney. Each team nominates one of its players for the award, and a panel of former players from the NFL Legends Community will select four players from each conference as finalists. The eight finalists will be listed on the Pro Bowl ballot under the NFL Sportsmanship Award category when players vote in December.

“I don’t necessarily think it’s the way that I’m intentionally trying to be – it’s just how I was raised and how I know to go about my work,” Godwin said. “I try to be a good person and treat people with respect.”

Falcons OT Jake Matthews, Panthers WR Adam Thielen and Saints center Erik McCoy were the three other finalists in the NFC South. Godwin is one of four wide receivers nominated for the award.

“There’s a way for you to compete at the highest level without being a [jerk],” Godwin said with a smile. “That’s how I kind of go about my business.”

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