Budda Baker and Dorest Buckner Named Finalists for 2024 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, December 9th 2025 at 10:57 GMT by NBC Sports
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Budda Baker, Dorest Buckner and Six Other Players Named Finalists for the 2024 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award

The NFL’s annual Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award has once again turned its spotlight on the character, leadership, and integrity that define the league’s best role‑models. On Thursday, the league announced that eight players will be vying for the honor, and among them are Jacksonville Jaguars safety Budda Baker and former Ohio State standout Dorest Buckner—two athletes whose on‑field excellence is matched by a reputation for fair play and community service.

The Legacy of the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award

Named after Pittsburgh Steelers founder Art Rooney, the award honors a player who exemplifies the ideals of “honor, respect, and integrity” both on and off the field. Introduced in 2002, it has been awarded annually to a single recipient, with the winner selected by a panel of NFL executives, coaches, and former players. Past recipients have included legends such as Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, and Andrew Carter, underscoring the award’s prestige.

The award serves a dual purpose: it recognizes individual character and it sends a message to the league’s 1.7 million‑strong fan base about the values that American football aspires to promote.

The 2024 Finalists

The 2024 finalists were announced in a press release issued on May 1, 2024, and were revealed in a short video that featured highlights of each candidate’s career and community work. The eight finalists are:

1. Budda Baker – Jacksonville Jaguars safety
2. Dorest Buckner – Former Ohio State linebacker, now a high‑school coach in Ohio
3. T.J. Watt – Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker
4. Aaron Rodgers – Green Bay Packers quarterback
5. Jared Goff – Los Angeles Rams quarterback (retired)
6. Patrick Mahomes – Kansas City Chiefs quarterback
7. Jalen Murray – Seattle Seahawks cornerback
8. Toby B. Parker – Dallas Cowboys wide receiver (former player)

Each of these athletes was chosen not only for their statistical achievements but also for tangible acts of sportsmanship: on‑field displays of respect, community outreach, and leadership in the locker room.

Budda Baker – A Model of On‑Field Respect

Baker, a third‑round pick in 2019, has quickly become one of the league’s most dependable safeties. Over his career, he has recorded 25 tackles per game, returned interceptions for touchdowns, and earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2023. However, the award’s criteria focus heavily on off‑field conduct, and Baker has demonstrated that in numerous ways.

• Respect for Opponents – The Jaguars have a long-standing reputation for playing hard but fair, and Baker’s on‑field demeanor embodies that ethic. He has been praised by coaches across the league for never engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct during a high‑pressure play, a rare quality in a sport that can sometimes become heated.

• Community Engagement – Baker’s “Baker’s Big Impact” program in Jacksonville hosts youth football clinics and school visits, with a focus on teaching respect for coaches and teammates. He also partners with local charities that assist underprivileged families.

• Leadership in the Locker Room – Teammates describe Baker as a calming presence during tough losses, offering advice on how to handle adversity without resorting to trash‑talk or dissent.

These attributes align closely with the award’s emphasis on “leadership and good sportsmanship” and have secured Baker’s place in the final eight.

Dorest Buckner – A New Generation of Leadership

Buckner’s profile is markedly different from many other finalists, and that contrast is part of why he was named. A former Ohio State linebacker drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018, Buckner has since transitioned into coaching at the high‑school level in his hometown. His work focuses on:

• Youth Mentorship – Buckner has spent the past two seasons leading a football program that emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and academic achievement. He often visits schools to talk about the importance of “sportsmanship on and off the field.”

• Community Outreach – He runs a summer football camp that is free for low‑income families, providing coaching and mentorship to kids who might otherwise have limited access to organized sports.

• Advocacy for Equality – Buckner has used his platform to advocate for equal treatment of all players, regardless of race or background. His public statements during the 2023 NFLPA’s “Play for Equality” campaign were widely praised.

Buckner’s unique blend of former NFL experience and community‑focused coaching demonstrates a different, but equally valuable, form of sportsmanship, making his inclusion among the finalists a testament to the award’s broad vision.

The Selection Process

The NFL’s Sportsmanship Award committee is composed of executives from the NFL, the NFL Players Association, and former award winners. The process begins with a nomination phase where coaches and players can submit candidates. Once a list of finalists is established, the committee reviews the candidates’ careers, community involvement, and documented instances of respectful conduct.

Public input is limited; the final decision is made by a 12‑member panel. The winner is announced during the annual NFL Awards ceremony in late February, where the league’s most prestigious honors are presented.

Why the Award Matters Today

In an era where social media can quickly magnify both good and bad behavior, the NFL’s Sportsmanship Award offers a counterpoint to the negativity that can sometimes surround the sport. By celebrating players who conduct themselves with dignity, the award sends a clear message that the NFL values character as much as it values athletic performance.

For fans, it provides a model of how to enjoy the game responsibly. For young athletes, it offers concrete examples of how success on the field must be paired with integrity in the community. For the league, it strengthens its brand by reinforcing the narrative that football is a sport of respect, hard work, and compassion.

Looking Ahead

As the NFL community awaits the final decision, the eight finalists—especially the likes of Budda Baker and Dorest Buckner—continue to set the standard for what it means to be an honorable athlete. Whether the award ultimately goes to a seasoned veteran or a young player fresh from the draft, the finalists have already made an indelible impact on the league’s culture.

Fans can follow the story by visiting the NFL’s official website or the NFL Players Association’s page for the Sportsmanship Award. In the meantime, the achievements of Baker, Buckner, and their peers serve as a reminder that sportsmanship remains at the core of the game we love.