Joe Staley and Frank Gore are among the eight finalists for the 2016 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, the NFL announced on Monday morning.
The award was established in 2014 in honor of the late Art Rooney Sr., the founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Arizona’s Larry Fitzgerald was the inaugural winner with Oakland’s Charles Woodson winning it a year ago in his final NFL season.
Staley, who has been selected to five consecutive Pro Bowls, is concluding his 10th season with the 49ers. Gore, a 12-year NFL veteran, spent his first 10 seasons with the 49ers before signing with the Indianapolis Colts in 2015.
The winner will be announced on the eve of Super Bowl 51 in Houston. Here are the finalists for the award:
LB Brian Cushing, Houston
RB Frank Gore, Indianapolis
TE Greg Olson, Carolina
LB Julius Peppers, Green Bay
RB Darren Sproles, Philadelphia
OL Joe Staley, 49ers
LB DeMarcus Ware, Denver
OL Marshall Yanda, Baltimore
