New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been recognized as a finalist for the 2018 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, the team announced Friday. Brees joins seven other finalists on the ballot for the award, established in 2014 in memory of longtime Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney Sr. The other players under consideration alongside Brees include:
- Baltimore Ravens safety Eric Weddle
- Green Bay Packers cornerback Tremon Williams
- Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck
- Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Calais Campbell
- Los Angeles Chargers tight end Antonio Gates
- San Francisco 49ers tackle Joe Staley
- Washington tight end Vernon Davis
Per NFL press release, the award recognizes a player who “best demonstrates the qualities of on-field sportsmanship, including fair play, respect for the game and opponents, and integrity in competition.