Christian Kirk is posting career best numbers in his first season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but the wide receiver is also getting recognition for his character.
On Tuesday, Kirk was named the Jaguars’ nominee for the NFL’s Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, which recognizes players for their conduct on the field. Other nominees include former Jaguars player Calais Campbell, who is now with the Baltimore Ravens, as well as stars like Derrick Henry, Von Miller, and Dak Prescott.
Next up a panel of former NFL players — Warrick Dunn, Larry Fitzgerald, Curtis Martin, and Leonard Wheeler — will narrow the list of 32 nominees down to eight finalists. Then current NFL players will vote on the winner, who will receive a $25,000 donation to the charity of their choice.
Kirk, 26, signed with the Jaguars on a pricy four-year, $72 million contract. Through 10 games, Kirk leads the team in every major receiving stat with 52 receptions for 679 yards and seven touchdowns.
Only five players — D.J. Chark, Allen Hurns, Keenan McCardell, Allen Robinson, and Jimmy Smith — have eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in a season with the Jaguars.