NEW YORK -- Eight veteran players, including frequent All-Pros DeMarcus Ware, Marshal Yanda and Julius Peppers, are finalists for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award.Other finalists announced by the NFL on Monday are Greg Olsen, Joe Staley, Darren Sproles, Brian Cushing and Frank Gore. The award recognizes players who best demonstrate the qualities of on-field sportsmanship, including fair play, respect for the game and opponents, and integrity in competition. The award was created in 2014 in honor of the late founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, a Pro Football Hall of Fame member.The winner will be announced on Feb. 4, the night before the Super Bowl, at the NFL Honors show in which The Associated Press hands out its individual player awards, including league MVP.Each NFL team nominated one of its players for the award. A panel of former players comprised of Hall of Famer Curtis Martin, Warrick Dunn, Karl Mecklenburg and Leonard Wheeler whittled the nominees down to eight.From the eight finalists, each teams players submit a consensus vote of their choice, but cannot vote for a teammate.Two of the players, Colts running back Gore and Panthers tight end Olsen, went to the University of Miami. Gore is in his 12th pro season and Olsen his 10th.Packers defensive end Peppers has had the longest stint in the NFL, in his 15th pro season. Denver DE Ware is in his 12th year, as is Eagles running back Sproles. Ravens guard Yanda and 49ers tackle Staley each is in his 10th pro season, while Texans linebacker Cushing is in his eighth.Among them is a total of 24 All-Pro selections.Last years winner was Charles Woodson, who has since retired. The first Rooney Award winner was Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Wesley Matthews Jersey . But the quarterback hopes to stay involved in football after officially calling it quits Tuesday. "Id love to look at those opportunities as they arise," Pierce said in an interview from his Winnipeg eatery. Kermit Washington Jersey . Louis Cardinals. Victorino is batting sixth and playing right field after missing two games because of back tightness. https://www.cheapblazersonline.com/788i-nicolas-batum-jersey-blazers.html . Coach Mike Munchak says Fokou stretched ligaments in his left knee Oct. 13 against Seattle, which could keep out up to five weeks even though the linebacker didnt need surgery. Sam Bowie Jersey . Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, announced Wednesday that the team would assign Swedish forward Elias Lindholm to his nations team for the upcoming tournament. Kevin Duckworth Jersey . "Jeff is a hard worker who was an important special-teams contributor for us last season," said Stamps GM John Hufnagel. NFL Nation reporters answer the biggest fantasy questions -- provided by ESPN fantasy football analyst Mike Clay?--?across the league for Week 7.AFC East | AFC North| AFC South | AFC West NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC WestAFC EASTBuffalo BillsCharles Clays 26 percent target share over the past two weeks is massive. Is this level of usage going to continue?Clays share of the targets will depend on the availability of wide receiver Robert Woods, who missed Wednesdays and Thursdays practices with a foot injury. Woods says hes doing everything possible to play Sunday but he remains in a walking boot and hasnt tested his injured foot yet. With few proven options at wide receiver (or at tight end), the Bills will lean on Clay if Woods cant play. -- Mike RodakMiami DolphinsFollowing his breakout Week 6 performance, has Jay Ajayi taken a stranglehold of lead back duties?Ajayi is now the unquestioned No.dddddddddddd 1 option. Hes earned it after he rushed for a career-high 204 yards against the Steelers in Week 6. The Dolphins coaches were waiting since training camp for someone to step forward, and that didnt happen until Sunday. Ajayi had a rough preseason but is finally finding his way and proving himself. The new coaching staff -- led by first-year head coach Adam Gase -- also is getting a better feel for Ajayi. Arian Foster will still get playing time, but Ajayi is the No. 1 guy. -- James Walker ' ' '