A day after leading the Kansas City Chiefs to a crucial divisional victory over the Oakland Raiders, quarterback Alex Smith was recognized for how he carries himself on the field on Monday as a finalist for the 2017 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award.
Smith is one of eight finalists for the award, joining Vernon Davis (Washington), Antonio Gates (Los Angeles Chargers), Luke Kuechly (Carolina), Josh McCown (New York Jets), Haloti Ngata (Detroit), Joe Staley (San Francisco) and Joe Thomas (Cleveland).
The award, which identifies players who exemplify outstanding sportsmanship on the field, was created in 2014 in honor of the late founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Art Rooney Sr.
Each team will now form a consensus vote for one of the eight finalists who they believe best demonstrates the qualities of sportsmanship, respect for the game and integrity in competition.
The winner, who will be announced the night before Super Bowl LII during the nationally televised NFL Honors show on Feb. 3 on NBC, will receive a $25,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to a charity of his choice.
Past winners are running back Frank Gore (2016), defensive back Charles Woodson (2015) and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (2014). Smith looks to become the first Chief to bring home the award.
