NFL names sportsmanship award after Steelers founder Art Rooney Sr.
The NFL has been synonymous with the name Rooney for more than 80 years.
And now, the league has an award named after one.
The NFL announced on Thursday that it is naming its annual award recognizing sportsmanship on the playing field in honor of Art Rooney Sr., the late founding owner of the Steelers and a Pro Football Hall of Famer.
“I think my grandfather would be a little uncomfortable with the idea of an award being named for him,” said Steelers president Art Rooney II. “But I think he would appreciate that it is an award recognizing sportsmanship in the game of football, and that it honors a player who displays respect for the game and respect for the other players of the game. My grandfather cared about integrity in the game of football, and the recipient of this award should be proud his peers look at him in such a respectful manner.”
The award will be presented each year to an NFL player who demonstrates on the field the qualities of great sportsmanship, including fair play, respect for opponents and integrity in competition
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The article states the Troy and Larry Fitzgerald are two of eight finalists.
What an amazing honor in memory of our beloved Chief.
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