The Atlanta Falcons have nominated Julio Jones for the 2019 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, which is presented annually to the NFL player who best demonstrates the qualities of on-field sportsmanship.
The winner, who is selected via a vote of current players, will be announced during the NFL Honors show on Feb. 1 on FOX, the night before Super Bowl LIV. The current group of 32 nominees will be paired down to eight finalists – four from each conference – determined by a panel of former players, including former Falcons running back Warrick Dunn. Joining Dunn on the panel is Curtis Martin, Karl Mecklenburg and Leonard Wheeler.
Whoever is named the recipient of the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award will receive a $25,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to a charity of his choice.
Jones, a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, is widely viewed as one of the best receivers in the NFL and an exemplary competitor. This season, Jones has caught 53 passes for 791 yards – seventh-most in the league – and four touchdowns.
Previous winners of the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, which was created in 2014, include: Drew Brees (2018), Luke Kuechly (2017), Frank Gore (2016), Charles Woodson (2015) and Larry Fitzgerald (2014).
