Pittsburgh Review

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has been named the recipient of the 2024 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. This accolade is given to a player for demonstrating exemplary sportsmanship on the field. The award, established in 2014, honors Art Rooney Sr., the founder of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"Art Rooney is an iconic figure in NFL history," remarked NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell at the award's inception. "It is appropriate that we honor his legacy in this way and recognize NFL players for one of the important values that Mr. Rooney represented so well."

The selection process began with each team nominating a player. From these nominees, eight finalists were chosen by members of the NFL Legends Community. The final decision was made through voting by players across the league as part of the 2024 Pro Bowl Games ballot.

Allen's victory was announced during the NFL Honors awards show held in New Orleans. As part of his recognition, he will receive a $25,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to a charity he selects. This award underscores the significance of sportsmanship within football and highlights those who exhibit integrity and honor as role models for fellow athletes.

"It is gratifying that sportsmanship is the category," said Steelers President Art Rooney II when discussing the award's origins. "It's appropriate. I like to think of my grandfather as someone who truly was a good sport, somebody who cared about respect and integrity of the game. The fact it's being voted on by players, well, the recipient can feel good about it because it's voted on by his peers."