ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas is one of 32 NFL players—one from each team—to be nominated for the second annual Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. The award recognizes NFL players who demonstrate outstanding sportsmanship on the field, including fair play, respect for the game and opponents, and integrity in competition.
The award is presented annually and was created last season as a tribute to Pro Football Hall of Famer Art Rooney Sr., the founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A panel of former players Warrick Dunn, Curtis Martin, Karl Mecklenburg and Leonard Wheeler will choose four finalists from the AFC and four from the NFC. The eight finalists will be listed on the Pro Bowl ballot and the winner will then be determined by current NFL players. Each team's players will submit a consensus vote on Dec. 18 and teams cannot vote for their own players.
The winner will be announced during the 5th Annual NFL Honors show on Feb. 6 on CBS and will receive a $25,000 donation from the NFL to go toward the charity of their choice. The winner will also be presented with a trophy representing the important role that sportsmanship plays in the NFL.
