Notes: Matthew Stafford named finalist for sportsmanship award

Thursday, the NFL announced eight finalists for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was among the eight finalists for the award, which recognizes a player who exemplifies “outstanding sportsmanship on the field.”

The other seven finalists include, Jaguars defensive lineman Calais Campbell, Chargers linebacker Thomas Davis, Colts receiver T.Y. Hilton, Washington running back Adrian Peterson, Patriots receiver Matthew Slater, 49ers tackle Joe Staley, and Rams Eric Weddle.

Previous award winners include Drew Brees, Luke Kuechly and Frank Gore.

The winner for the award will be announced at the NFL Honors ceremony the night before the Super Bowl. The 2019 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Player of the Year will receive a $25,000 donation to the charity of his choice.

• Looks like the Lions tried to snag a replacement for Marvin Hall, but got bested on the waiver wire:

• This week is “My Cause My Cleats” week for NFL players, and Lions quarterback David Blough is honoring young Purdue fan Tyler Trent, who died earlier this year at age 20 due to bone cancer. ESPN’s Mike Rothstein has the story.

• Here are two positive stats for the Lions, one that will make you sad and one that may make you a little hopeful:

• Vikings receiver Adam Thielen has missed four of the last five games, but head coach Mike Zimmer thinks he has a good chance of playing against the Lions.

• For those keeping track of Zach Zenner, he’s now hanging out in South Beach:

• The Lions held a cool charitable event this week, having kids from the Detroit Lions Academy go Christmas shopping with Lions players: