CHARLOTTE - Linebacker Frankie Luvu was named Carolina's nominee for the 2021 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, the NFL announced on Thursday.
Each NFL team selected a nominee for the eighth annual award, which recognizes players who best demonstrate the qualities of on-field sportsmanship, including fair play, respect for the game and opponents, and integrity in competition.
Former quarterback Teddy Bridgewater won the award in 2020, while former linebacker Luke Kuechly won it in 2017.
Luvu has 15 tackles and 1.5 sacks, but has been involved in a number of big plays. He blocked a punt that was recovered for a touchdown and his three fumble recoveries currently tie for the most in the NFL.
The award was created in 2014 in honor of the late founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pro Football Hall of Famer Art Rooney Sr.
A panel of former players from the NFL Legends Community – Warrick Dunn, 2014 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award recipient Larry Fitzgerald, Pro Football Hall of Famer Curtis Martin and Leonard Wheeler – will select eight finalists (four in the AFC and four in the NFC) from the 32 nominees. The eight finalists will be listed on the Pro Bowl ballot under the NFL Sportsmanship Award category when players vote later this month.
