INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck today was named one of eight finalists for the 2018 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award.
The award is given each year "to an NFL player who best demonstrates the qualities of on-field sportsmanship, including fair play, respect for the game and opponents, and integrity in competition," according to a release.
The winner of the 2018 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, which is determined by a vote of current NFL players, will be announced during the NFL Honors show on Saturday, Feb. 2, on CBS, the night before Super Bowl LIII. The winner will receive a $25,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to a charity of his choice, according to the league, and 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.
The eight finalists this year represent four players from each conference. Luck is a first-time nominee and finalist in 2018, as are Baltimore Ravens safety Eric Weddle and Green Bay Packers cornerback Tramon Williams.
San Francisco 49ers tackle Joe Staley is a finalist for a fourth consecutive season, while Los Angeles Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (three career nominations) and Washington Redskins tight end Vernon Davis (two career nominations) are finalists for a second straight year.
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Calais Campbell, a nominee in three of the past four years, is a finalist for the first time, while New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been nominated in each of the past two years and is a first-time finalist.
Luck is looking to become the second Colts player to be selected for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award in its five-year history. Running back Frank Gore captured the award back in 2016. Other winners have included Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (2014), Oakland Raiders cornerback Charles Woodson (2015) and Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly (2017).
