The Browns are preparing for the inevitable retirement of veteran safety Rodney McLeod Jr. this season by honoring him with a special NFL award recognition.

McLeod is Cleveland’s recipient of the league’s Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, recognizing “an NFL player who demonstrates on the field the qualities of great sportsmanship, including fair play, respect for opponents and competitive integrity.”

No Browns player has ever won the award, which was created in Rooney’s honor in 2015. McLeod, a 13-year veteran who originally played for the St. Louis Rams, now has a chance to receive prestigious recognition.

Although he has only spent two years with the franchise, McLeod is still a respected veteran who has had a major impact on his respective teams.

Over the course of his career, he played for four different organizations, starting in 145 of his 177 career games. He suffered a season-ending injury last week, but McLeod is still a key leader for the struggling Browns.

Recognition for this award shows the team’s belief in him and his overall positive impact on the squad. Originally created in 2015 to honor Art Rooney, it is a special award that comes with a $25,000 donation to a charity of the player’s choice.

If McLeod wins the award it would be the crowning achievement of an illustrious career that deserves recognition. He was a valuable player and this would be an ideal end to his time in the NFL.

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