Crosby Named Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award Finalist
Being excellent on the field is a significant element of what makes a player great, but their character within the game is also important.
Those are the expectations of the finalists of the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, given to the player who best demonstrates what it means to be a sportsman on the field, including integrity in competition, respect for the game and opponents and fair play.
Las Vegas Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby embodies all of these characteristics. On Thursday, the NFL announced eight 2023 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award finalists, including Crosby.
The nominees joining Crosby are fullback Kyle Juszczyk of the San Francisco 49ers, linebacker Khalil Mack of the Los Angeles Chargers, quarterback Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys, guard Kevin Zeitler of the Baltimore Ravens, linebacker Bobby Wagner of the Seattle Seahawks, linebacker C.J. Mosley of the New York Jets, and safety Budda Baker of the Arizona Cardinals.
This is the second consecutive year Crosby has been nominated for the award, which went to defensive lineman Calais Campbell of the Atlanta Falcons in 2022.
Crosby is the true heart and soul of the Raiders’ defense, which has improved drastically in 2023 and has helped them remain competitive this season.
Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby is a finalist for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award.
Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
Crosby continues to improve each season and is having a career year in 2023. He has a career-high in sacks with three games remaining and is tied for the league lead in tackles for losses and total stops. Leading an impressive Raiders’ defense, Crosby has put himself firmly in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation.
The Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award was founded in 2014 in honor of Hall of Fame Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney. Legendary wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald was the first recipient of the award.
If Crosby were to win the award this year, he would become the second Raider with that honor, joining safety Charles Woodson, who won it in 2015.
The award will be presented at the NFL Honors ceremony in February, and the winner will receive a $25,000 donation to a charity of their choice.
Crosby’s performance on the field, work ethic, and passion for the game of football have made him a deserving candidate for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award.
The Silver and Black will return to action versus their AFC West rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, on Christmas Day in Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Don't miss it on Monday, December 25, at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST.
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