Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen was named the PFWA “Good Guy Award” winner in a vote of Atlanta writers and broadcasters regularly assigned to cover the team on Thursday.
Allen, a starter on the defense, was always available during the open locker room periods and after games. Also receiving high consideration from the voters were quarterback Matt Ryan and Julio Jones.
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. ESPN's Jim Trotter is the organization's president. Bleacher Report's Dan Pompei, long-time national writer based in Chicago, is the first vice president. Bob Glauber, who covers the NFL for Newsday, is the second vice president.
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.
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.
