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The Indianapolis Colts recently announced that starting defensive end Justin Houston has been nominated as the team’s 2020 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award recipient.
Each of the NFL’s 32 teams was granted a player nomination for the award, which recognizes players who exemplify outstanding sportsmanship on the field.
Created to honor the Pittsburgh Steelers late founding owner Art Rooney, Sr., this award is presented annually to an NFL player “who best demonstrates the qualities of on-field sportsmanship, including fair play, respect for the game and opponents, and integrity in competition.”
The longtime Kansas City Chiefs sackmaster, Houston, who is 46th all-time in NFL career sacks (94.0 sacks), is in the midst of his second season with the Colts—having had 15.5 sacks during 27 starts in Indianapolis.
He led the Colts with 11.0 sacks during the 2019 season.
As a grizzled 10-year veteran and former NFL All-Pro, Houston has been highly regarded for his locker room leadership, toughness, sportsmanship, and competitiveness:
That was a helluva win by the Colts. They had everything against them coming into this one. Impressive defensive performance — and smart offensive gameplan. Pictured here: Mahomes and former teammate Justin Houston. pic.twitter.com/YswSpvP6vo
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) October 7, 2019
Please find your nearest brick wall and proceed to run through it. @JHouston50 | #INDvsPIT pic.twitter.com/Lk1BDEWHiL
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 3, 2019
The eight finalists (four from the NFC and AFC respectively) will be listed on the Pro Bowl ballot under the NFL Sportsmanship Award category when players vote on Friday, December 18th.