Each year, every team nominates one player for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. This year, the Cleveland Browns have put up their longest-tenured player, guard Joel Bitonio, up for the honor. According to a statement released by the team, the award recognizes one exemplary player who plays the game the right way:
“The Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award recognizes those that 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, and it honors the late founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pro Football Hall of Famer Art Rooney Sr.”
Bitonio was Cleveland’s nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award a year ago as well for his work off of the football field. The All-Pro guard has a reputation around the league as an exemplary player.
There will be eight finalists selected out of the 32 nominees, and then players will vote on those eight at the same time Pro Bowl voting is conducted next month.
