The reigning Walter Payton Man of the Year is now one step closer to another accolade recognizing his character.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is a finalist for the 2023 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, the league announced Thursday. That honor goes each year to the NFL player “who best demonstrates the qualities of on-field sportsmanship, including fair play, respect for the game and opponents, and integrity in competition.”
Each team nominated a player from its roster in late November. From that list, a panel of former players- including Warrick Dunn, Curtis Martin, and inaugural winner Larry Fitzgerald- selected eight finalists.
“I have enjoyed the process of learning about the men that have been nominated for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award,” Fitzgerald said. “Each nominee has displayed the character of Mr. Rooney’s legacy. The award represents teamwork, competitiveness, hard work and integrity while on the field.”
This year’s finalists for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award are – @Buddabaker3, @CrosbyMaxx, Kyle Juszczyk (@JuiceCheck44), Khalil Mack (@FiftyDeuce), C.J. Mosley (@TreyDeuce32RTR), @dak, Bobby Wagner (@Bwagz) & Kevin Zeitler (@kzeit70) pic.twitter.com/6CgLQzGp0I
— NFL345 (@NFL345) December 14, 2023
The award was created in 2014, named after the late founder and owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rooney was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1964.
Prescott joins Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack, 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk, Cardinals safety Budda Baker, Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner, Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley, and Ravens guard Kevin Zeitler as this year’s finalists.
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The winner of the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award will be determined by a vote of current NFL players. Teams submit a consensus vote and are not allowed to vote for their own player. The winner receives a $25,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to the charity of his choosing and will be announced as part of NFL Honors, the award show held the Thursday before the Super Bowl.
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