"He doesn't feel anything negative towards his opponent. He knows it's not personal. He respects every single offensive lineman in the NFL. He has great relationships with the guys he looks up to, guys he respects and watches. The same thing with guys he goes against. He has so much respect for Geno Atkins. He talks about how he watches his game and compliments him all of the time when he watches him. Same thing with Aaron Donald, who trains here in the offseason. He has respect for opponents and that rubs off on the rest of us. He is someone who is good for the game. He respects players for who they are, not for what they are supposed to do.

"For younger players he is a role model because he is always doing the right thing. He never says anything out of line. He doesn't do any of the things coach tells us not to do. He is the perfect Steelers player. He does everything right. If you are wondering how you should approach your career, take care of your body, treat others, face challenges, you just look at what David is doing. He always has a very intelligent and well thought out plan on how to accomplish any challenges that come up in your career."

One player from every team was nominated for the award, and eight finalists, four in each conference, will be selected by members of the NFL Legends Community, including Warrick Dunn, Curtis Martin, Karl Mecklenburg and Leonard Wheeler.

Current players will have the final say, with them voting on the winner from the eight finalists, although they can't vote for their teammate. The winner is announced during the NFL Honors show the night before Super Bowl LIII.

The winner will receive a $25,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to a charity of his choice and the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Trophy, which represents the key role sportsmanship plays in the game and how NFL players who demonstrate integrity and honor on the field serve as role models.