NFL announces 8 finalists for sportsmanship award

Field Level Media|published: Thu 14th December, 11:25 2023

Nov 19, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) celebrates with fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) after scoring a 76-yard touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. credits: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The eight finalists for the 2023 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, given annually to an NFL player who best demonstrates the qualities of on-field sportsmanship, were announced Thursday by the league.

The finalists are defensive end Maxx Crosby (Las Vegas), linebacker Khalil Mack (Los Angeles Chargers), linebacker C.J. Mosley (New York Jets) and guard Kevin Zeitler (Baltimore) in the AFC, and safety Budda Baker (Arizona), fullback Kyle Juszczyk (San Francisco), quarterback Dak Prescott (Dallas) and linebacker Bobby Wagner (Seattle) in the NFC.

A four-member panel from the NFL Legends Community whittled the list of 32 NFL team nominees to eight.

Voting for the winner will be done on the Pro Bowl ballot.

The award was created in 2014 and named for Art Rooney Sr., the late founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"Each nominee has displayed the character of Mr. Rooney's legacy," said former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, a member of the panel. "The award represents teamwork, competitiveness, hard work and integrity while on the field."

—Field Level Media