Among the NFL players nominated for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, announced Tuesday, are Raiders quarterback Derek Carr and 49ers offensive lineman Joe Staley.
Each team nominated a player for the award, which recognizes whomever “best demonstrates the qualities of on-field sportsmanship, including fair play, respect for the game and opponents, and integrity in competition.”
Nominees with Bay Area ties also include Texans punter Shane Lechler, who spent 13 years with the Raiders, as well as Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith and Washington tight end Vernon Davis, each formerly of the 49ers.
Eight finalists will be chosen by a panel of former players (Warrick Dunn, Curtis Martin, Karl Mecklenburg and Leonard Wheeler), four from the AFC and four from the NFC.