For the fifth consecutive year, San Francisco 49ers tackle Joe Staley has been named one of eight finalists for the prestigious Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award.
The award, created after the 2014 season, is presented annually 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. The winner will be announced at the NFL Honors presentation before the Super Bowl, and he will receive a $25,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to a charity of his choice.
The other seven finalists are Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Calais Campbell, Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Thomas Davis, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, Washington Redskins running back Adrian Peterson, New England Patriots wide receiver Matthew Slater, Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, and Los Angeles Rams safety Eric Weddle.
No 49ers player has ever won the award. New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees was last year's recipient.
Staley, a 13-year veteran, has spent his entire NFL career with the 49ers. He started at least 15 games during seven of his previous eight seasons and all 16 during six of those, including 2018.
Staley has played in just three games this season after missing six with a fractured fibula and then the last three with a fractured finger. He returned to practice this week, though, and head coach Kyle Shanahan is hopeful of getting his starting tackle back for Sunday's matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
H/t to Pro Football Talk for the news.