Steelers' Alex Highsmith nominated for Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award

Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, whose nine sacks are tied for fifth-most in the NFL, is the Pittsburgh Steelers’ nominee for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award.

The award has been handed out annually since 2014 with teams nominating one of its players. The list of 32 nominees will be pared to eight finalists — four in each conference — and the winner will be announced on the NFL Honors show that is held on the eve of the Super Bowl.

The semifinalists will be selected by a committee that includes former NFL players Warrick Dunn, Curtis Martin, Larry Fitzgerald and Leonard Wheeler.

The award was created in honor of late founder and Steelers owner Art Rooney Sr.

Highsmith, a former third-round draft pick, is in his third season with the Steelers and leads the team in sacks.

“These Rooney Sportsmanship Award nominees exemplify the fiercest competition combined with the excellence of sportsmanship,” said Troy Vincent, NFL executive vice president of football operations. “It reflects the very values of respect, resilience, and fairness that inspire both teammates and opponents to be the best in the world.”

The list of nominees:

Cooper Kupp, Rams; Lane Johnson, Eagles; Budda Baker, Cardinals; Maxx Crosby, Raiders; Grady Jarrett, Falcons; Austin Ekeler, Chargers; Calais Campbell, Ravens; Von Miller, Bills; Alec Ingold, Dolphins; Johnny Hekker, Panthers; Dalvin Cook, Vikings; DeAndre Houston-Carson, Bears; David Andrews, Patriots; B.J. Hill, Bengals; Ryan Ramczyk, Saints; Nick Chubb, Browns; Daniel Jones, Giants; Dak Prescott, Cowboys; Duane Brown, Jets; Pat Surtain II, Broncos; Kalif Raymond, Lions; Alex Highsmith, Steelers; Aaron Jones, Packers; Kyle Juszczyk, 49ers; Jerry Hughes, Texans; Will Dissly, Seahawks; DeForest Buckner, Colts; Lavonte David, Buccaneers; Christian Kirk, Jaguars; Derrick Henry, Titans; Nick Bolton, Chiefs; Terry McLaurin, Commanders.