Staley, Turner, both nominated for awards by the PFWA

Every year, the Pro Football Writers of America vote for several off-field awards given to people working in or associated with the NFL. The 2020 off-field awards balloting is underway through June 19, and the results will be announced on June 22.

The PFWA membership will vote on awards such as the George Halas Award, which goes to an NFL player, coach, or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed. The Good Guy Award, which goes to the NFL player for his qualities and professional style in helping pro football writers do their job. Former San Francisco 49ers left tackle Joe Staley was nominated for this award:

T Joe Staley, San Francisco 49ers (retired) — Staley was simply called “a gem’’ for his consistent availability to the media as well as the quality of his answers. The Pro Bowl left tackle retired from the NFL after playing 13 seasons, and he was named to the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team.

Other awards include the Dick McCann Award, the Jack Horrigan Award, the Pete Rozelle Award, and the Paul “Dr. Z” Zimmerman Award, which is a lifetime achievement as an assistant coach in the NFL. Two coaches can win, and 49ers running back coach Bobby Turner was recognized:

Bobby Turner — Turner is in his 25th season as an NFL assistant coach in 2020, and his fourth as San Francisco’s running backs coach. Turner is responsible for overseeing three of the top nine rookie rushing seasons in the NFL since 1970 with Alfred Morris, Clinton Portis, and Mike Anderson. He also served as running backs coach with Atlanta (2015-16), Washington (2010-14), and Denver (1995-2009). In Denver, he worked with top-shelf Broncos backs, including Terrell Davis, Anderson, Olandis Gary, Portis, among others, as the franchise was in the NFL’s top five in rushing during 10 of his 15 seasons there. He has coached in four Super Bowls with three different franchises (XXXII, XXXIII with Denver, LI with Atlanta, and LIV with San Francisco) and has a pair of victories with the Broncos.

It’s nice that Turner is recognized for his efforts. Even at 71-years-old, Turner still has an impact on the 49ers running back situation and who they bring in.

The Pete Rozelle award is a team award that is given to the public relations staff that consistently strives for excellence. One of those teams was the Patriots. That is all.