Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun was named the PFWA “Good Guy Award” winner in a vote of Atlanta writers and broadcasters regularly assigned to cover the team on Friday.
Oluokun, a first-year starter on the defense and the team’s leading tackler, regularly was available during the pandemic on virtual calls during the week and after the games. He always answered questions even after some of the teams difficult losses.
Also, receiving high consideration from the voters were interim head coach Raheem Morris and running back Todd Gurley.
The Good Guy Award is given to a player for his qualities and professional style in helping pro football writers do their jobs. The national award which was first given by the PFWA in 2005.
ABOUT THE PFWA: The Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) is the official voice of pro football writers, promoting and fighting for access to NFL personnel to best serve the public. The PFWA is made up of accredited writers who cover the NFL and the 32 teams on a daily basis.
Bob Glauber, the national football columnist for Newsday, is the organization’s president for the 2018-20 seasons and the organization’s 29th president. D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution was the 26th president (2013-2015) and the first African American to hold the position. Lindsay Jones (The Athletic) is the PFWA’s first vice-president, Dan Pompei (The Athletic) is the PFWA’s second vice-president and Mike Sando (The Athletic) is the PFWA secretary-treasurer. At-large members include Jeff Legwold (ESPN.com), Charean Williams (ProFootballTalk.com), Jenny Vrentas (Sports Illustrated) and Mike Jones (USA Today). Jason Butt, a correspondent for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is current president of the local chapter.
NATIONAL GOOD GUY AWARD WINNERS (To a NFL player for his qualities and professional style in helping the pro football writers do their job): 2005 – Jerome Bettis (Pittsburgh Steelers); 2006 – Tiki Barber (New York Giants); 2007 – LaDainian Tomlinson (San Diego Chargers); 2008 – Brett Favre (Green Bay Packers); 2009 – Kurt Warner (Arizona Cardinals); 2010 – Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints); 2011 – Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers); 2012 – Tim Tebow (Denver Broncos); 2013 – Tony Gonzalez (Atlanta Falcons). 2014 – Russell Wilson, Seattle. 2015 – Richard Sherman, Seattel. 2016 – Thomas Davis, Carolina. 2017 – Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona. 2018 – Chris Long, Philadelphia. 2019 – Chris Long, Philadelphia. 2020 – Eli Manning, New York Giants.
FALCONS GOOD GUY AWARD WINNERS: 2011 – Roddy White; 2012 – Thomas DeCoud; 2013 – William Moore. 2014 – Paul Worrilow; 2015 – Julio Jones. 2016 – Dwight Freeney. 2017 – Ricardo Allen. 2018 – Brooks Reed. 2019 – Grady Jarrett. 2020 – Foye Oluokun.
Falcons’ 2021 draft position
1. Jacksonville Jaguars
2. New York Jets
3. Miami Dolphins (via Houston)
4. Falcons
5. Cincinnati Bengals
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