Warner, Bryant, Dan Rooney, Cardinals PR win PFWA awards

[moklerman]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-pfwaawards&prov=ap&type=lgns

NEW YORK (AP)—Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner

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, Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Matt Bryant

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and Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney won awards from the Professional Football Writers of America on Monday.


Also honored were the Cardinals’ public relations department, and Sports Illustrated writer Peter King.


Warner, who led the Cardinals to their first Super Bowl, where they lost to Rooney’s Steelers, received the Good Guy Award, given to a player who best helped the media do their job.


“I’ve been around long enough to understand the important role the media plays in the popularity and success of the NFL,” Warner said. “I’ve always appreciated the job that journalists do, as well as the amount of pride and effort they put into their work, and I’m grateful to the PFWA for this honor.”


Bryant won the Halas Award that goes to the individual in the NFL who overcame the most adversity to succeed during a season. Bryant’s 3-month-old son died in his sleep in the week preceding the third game of the season. Four days later, and one day after the funeral, Bryant kicked three field goals, including the winner in the final minutes, to beat Green Bay.



He finished the year making 32 of 38 field goals.


Rooney got the Horrigan Award for the person (not a player or team public relations staffer) who helped the media best do their job last season. Rooney recently was appointed by President Barack Obama as ambassador to Ireland.


The Rozelle Award given to the league public relations department that best helped the media do their job was won by Arizona, headed by vice president, media relations Mark Dalton. The Cardinals are first time winners of the award, which began in 1990.


King took the McCann Award given to PFWA members who have provided long and distinguished service to the profession. King has been covering pro football for nearly 30 years—20 at Sports Illustrated.

 

[moklerman]

It's stuff like this that makes me think that Warner will eventually wear that yellow jacket. The only thing that matters is that the writers/voters want you in. The stats, wins, championships, etc. are all part of the process but having the writers on your side will always get you over the top.

Sorry, didn't want to derail this thing right off the bat.

Good job by Warner and the Cardinals capping off a great 2008. Any and all recognition for the team will only make things better overall.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

After this year, KW is a shoe in IMO. He isn't a first ballot though.

 

[Mulli]

After this year, KW is a shoe in IMO. He isn't a first ballot though.

Are his numbers going to improve between the first ballot and the second?

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Are his numbers going to improve between the first ballot and the second?

 

[DemsMyBoys]

It's great to see our worker bees in the office getting some recognition. Congratulations to each of them.