Linebacker Thomas Davis has been selected as the 2016 Good Guy Award winner by the Professional Football Writers of America.

Davis, the 12th Good Guy Award winner, is the first Panther to receive the honor, which is given annually to an NFL player for his qualities and professional style in helping pro football writers do their jobs.

"Thomas Davis exudes professionalism not only on the field, but in the locker room dealing with reporters," said David Newton, who covers the Panthers for ESPN.com. "He's candid and honest. He says what he thinks. He doesn't hide behind cliches or sugar-coated responses when discussing something that might be construed as controversial. He also doesn't respond to topics that may be controversial in a disrespectful or outlandish way. You can't ask for more than that."

Davis was named recipient of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award in 2014.

Davis started all 16 games in 2015, registering 123 tackles, a career-high 5.5 sacks and four interceptions to go with four forced fumble and two fumble recoveries as the Panthers finished 15-1 and advanced to Super Bowl 50. He was the only player in the NFL with five or more sacks and three or more interceptions.

"Davis tackles questions the same way he does ballcarriers – direct and to the point," said Joe Person, who covers the Panthers for the Charlotte Observer. "Davis is the Panthers' longest-tenured player, so he's a great guy to talk to for context. He's seen it all during more than a decade in the league, and he is not afraid to speak his mind on topics he feels strongly about."

Other 2016 nominees for the Good Guy Award were Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell, Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson, Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware and Bengals offensive tackle Eric Winston.