It’s the fourth consecutive season that Colts veteran defensive tackle DeForest Buckner has been nominated for this annual award for outstanding sportsmanship.
The NFL announced on Monday that Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner is his team’s nominee for the 2024 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award—for the fourth consecutive season (per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero):
The 32 nominees for the 2024 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. pic.twitter.com/5m6Yx3XQ05
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 25, 2024
Per NFL.com, the award is a tribute to the late founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers franchise and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Art Rooney Sr., and is given annually to the league individual who best exemplifies outstanding sportsmanship:
“Sportsmanship is at the very the core of the game, the foundation of our values that are shared across all levels of the sport,” said Troy Vincent, NFL executive vice president of football operations via NFL.com. “These Rooney Sportsmanship Award nominees demonstrate to the world how the game is played with respect and integrity at the highest level of competition.”
The award is presented 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.
On the season, Buckner, who is a former 2x NFL All-Pro and 3x NFL Pro Bowler, has 37 tackles (18 solo), 4.5 sacks, and 5 tackles for loss during 7 games (6 starts).
The last Colts player to be the recipient of this annual esteemed award was since retired running back Frank Gore back after the 2016 season.
The ultimate winner (and let’s be honest, they all are!) will be announced as part of NFL Honors night and will receive a $25,000 donation from the ‘NFL Foundation’ to a charity of the recipient’s choice. We wish Buckner all the best of luck!
