Congratulations are in order for former San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore. The NFL Honors program aired this evening, and Gore was awarded the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. He will receive a $25,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to a charity of his choice. Joe Staley was one of the finalists for the award.
The award was established in 2014 previously went in honor of the late founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers. It recognizes the NFL player who best demonstrates the qualities of outstanding sportsmanship on the playing field, including fair play, respect for opponents and integrity in competition. Larry Fitzgerald won it in 2014, and Charles Woodson won it in 2015.
Gore did not get back to the playoffs with the Indianapolis Colts in 2016, but he continued climbing up the career rushing leaderboard. He rushed for 1,025 yards this season, moving up to No. 8 all-time with 13,065 career rushing yards. He is also one of only five players in league history with at least 13,000 rushing yards and 400 receptions in his career. He departed the 49ers as a free agent and holding the franchise single season and career rushing records.
Matt Maiocco is in Houston, and he had a chance to speak with Gore after the award was announced. Here’s some video.
Frank Gore wins the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award.
Posted by Matt Maiocco on Saturday, February 4, 2017