The Browns are preparing for the inevitable retirement of veteran safety Rodney McLeod Jr. this season, where he will be honored with special recognition for an NFL award.

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

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 the opportunity to earn prestigious recognition.

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

During his career, he played for four different organizations, starting 145 of his 177 career games. He suffered an injury last week that could end his season, but McLeod is still a key leader for the struggling Browns.

The recognition of this award reflects the team’s belief in him and his overall positive impact on the squad. Originally created in 2015 in honor of 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 will be a great ending to an illustrious career that deserves recognition. He has been a valuable player and this would be an ideal way to end his time in the NFL.

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