Demario Davis is once again getting the kind of recognition that reflects both the player and the man he’s been throughout his NFL career. On Tuesday, the league announced that the New Orleans Saints linebacker has been named one of eight finalists for the 2025 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award - a distinction that goes beyond stats and game tape. This award honors players who embody the spirit of the game: fair play, respect for opponents, and integrity on the field.
Davis joins a strong group of finalists from across the league. Representing the NFC alongside him are Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David, and Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O’Neill. It’s a group that reflects leadership in different forms - from Baker’s relentless energy in the secondary to O’Neill’s steady presence in the trenches.
On the AFC side, the nominees include Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman DeForest Buckner, New York Jets defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Zach Sieler, and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy. These aren’t just high-impact players - they’re the tone-setters in their locker rooms, the guys who lead by example when the game gets chippy and the stakes are high.
The Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, named after the late founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, is unique in that the finalists are included on the Pro Bowl ballot and voted on by fellow players. That peer recognition carries weight. When other NFL players see you as someone who competes hard but respects the game and your opponents - that says a lot.
The winner will be revealed during the NFL Honors ceremony on February 5, 2026, part of Super Bowl week festivities. It’s a night that celebrates excellence across the league, and this award is a reminder that how you play the game still matters.
For Davis, this is just the latest acknowledgment of the example he sets. He’s also the Saints’ nominee for the 2025 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which recognizes off-the-field impact - from community work to charitable initiatives. That award will also be handed out at NFL Honors, and it’s no surprise to see Davis in the running for both.
On the field, Davis has long been the heart of the Saints’ defense - a vocal leader, a sideline-to-sideline force, and a player who sets the standard for professionalism. Off it, he’s been just as impactful, using his platform to uplift others and drive change in the communities he serves.
In a league filled with elite talent, it’s players like Davis who remind us that leadership, respect, and character still carry real weight - and that the legacy you leave goes far beyond the final whistle.