A.J. Green nominated for Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green is one of 32 player nominees for the third annual Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, the NFL announced Tuesday.

All 32 teams nominated one of their players for the award, which recognizes players around the league who demonstrate outstanding sportsmanship on the field. The award was created in 2014 and honors the late founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Art Rooney, Sr.

Green, now in his sixth NFL season, ranks second in the league with 964 receiving yards through nine games. He also ranks third in receptions (66), fourth in first-down conversions (41), and third in 20-plus yard receptions (15).

The Georgia alum will likely earn a spot in the 2017 Pro Bowl, which would be his sixth-straight trip there. This past Monday vs the New York Giants, Green caught seven passes for 68 yards and a touchdown.

A panel of former NFL players, which includes Warrick Dunn, Curtis Martin, Karl Mecklenburg and Leonard Wheeler, are charged with selecting eight finalists from the 32 nominees. The final eight will be listed on the Pro Bowl ballot when players vote in December. Each team will then submit a consensus vote of their choice for the winner.

The winner will be announced during the NFL Honors show on Feb. 4, where he will receive a $25,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to a charity of his choice. He will also receive a trophy that represents the important role that sportsmanship plays in the game and how NFL players that demonstrate integrity and honor on the field serve as role models for players at all levels.

Green is the epitome of sportsmanship and the perfect candidate for the Bengals to honor.