ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware was named one of eight finalists for the NFL's Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, the league announced on Monday. Ware, who is in his third year with the team and 12th NFL season overall, is a nine-time Pro Bowler and seven-time Associated Press All-Pro selection. He has been named a team captain on eight occasions, including in each of his three seasons with the Broncos.
A player from all 32 teams was nominated for the award, which recognizes those who best demonstrate the qualities of on-field sportsmanship, including fair play, respect for the game and opponents, and integrity in competition. The award was created in 2014 in honor of the late founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pro Football Hall of Famer Art Rooney Sr.
A panel of former players from the NFL Legends Community selected the eight finalists from the 32 nominees. The panel is comprised of Warrick Dunn, Curtis Martin, Leonard Wheeler and Broncos Ring of Famer Karl Mecklenburg.
The eight finalists will be listed on the Pro Bowl ballot under the NFL Sportsmanship Award category. From the eight finalists, each team's players will submit a consensus vote of their choice for the winner. As in Pro Bowl voting, a team cannot vote for its own player.
The winner selected by the vote of the players will be announced during the nationally televised NFL Honors show on Saturday, Feb. 4, on FOX, the night before Super Bowl LI. The winner will receive a $25,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to a charity of his choice. He will also receive a trophy that represents the important role that sportsmanship plays in the game and how NFL players that demonstrate integrity and honor on the field serve as role models for players at all levels.
2016 ART ROONEY SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD FINALISTS
Player
NFL Team
Conf.
Pos.
College
NFL Exp.
Brian Cushing
Houston Texans
AFC
LB
Southern California
8
Frank Gore
Indianapolis Colts
AFC
RB
Miami
12
Greg Olsen
Carolina Panthers
NFC
TE
Miami
10
Julius Peppers
Green Bay Packers
NFC
LB
North Carolina
15
Darren Sproles
Philadelphia Eagles
NFC
RB
Kansas State
12
Joe Staley
San Francisco 49ers
NFC
T
Central Michigan
10
DeMarcus Ware
Denver Broncos
AFC
LB
Troy
12
Marshal Yanda
Baltimore Ravens
AFC
G/T
Iowa
10
