CLEVELAND — Despite a season-ending injury, Browns left tackle remains the face of a young Browns team and one of the league’s most-influential figures.
For that, Thomas was named one of eight finalists for the 2017 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award on Monday, joining Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, Jets quarterback Josh McCown, Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith, Redskins tight end Vernon Davis, Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly, Lions defensive lineman Haloti Ngata and 49ers offensive lineman Joe Staley.
Thomas, who has been nominated for the award before, is a first-time finalist.
Created in 2014 in honor of the late founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pro Football Hall of Famer Art Rooney Sr.