NEW YORK (AP) — Washington tight end Vernon Davis Drew Kaser Color Rush Jersey , already nominated for the NFL’s Man of the Year Award, is one of eight finalists for the league’s ists, announced Friday, are Jacksonville defensive end Calais Campbell, Chargers tight end Anthony Gates, Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck, Baltimore safety Eric Weddle, New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees, San Francisco tackle Joe Staley, and Green Bay cornerback Tramon Williams.Staley is a finalist for the fourth consecutive season, while Davis (two career nominations) and Gates (three career nominations) are finalists for the second straight year. Campbell, who is a finalist for the first time, has been nominated in three of the past four years Hunter Henry Color Rush Jersey , while Brees has been nominated in each of the past two years and is a first-time finalist. Luck, Weddle and Williams are all first-time nominees.The Rooney Award recognizes players around the league who exemplify outstanding sportsmanship on the field. Itwas created in 2014 in honor of the late founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pro Football Hall of Famer Art Rooney Sr.A panel of former players — Hall of Famer Curtis Martin, Warrick Dunn and Karl Mecklenburg — selected the eight finalists from 32 nominees, one from each club. The winner is determined by a vote of current NFL players, but they can’t vote for a teammate.The Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award winner will be announced during NFL Honors, when the AP presents its individual award winners. That prime-time program from Atlanta will be on Feb. 2, the night before the Super Bowl.Past winners:2017 — Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers2016 — Frank Gore, Indianapolis Colts2015 — Charles Woodson, Oakland Raiders2014 — Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals This is a great time of year to be thankful for what we have, where we have been, and what the future holds. Although the Chargers have lost their way a bit in recent years Joe Barksdale Color Rush Jersey , the month of December still holds such incredible promise! This advent calendar is an attempt to hearken back to these days of December joy. Each day will bring a new advent from the Bolts’ history that makes it wonderful to be a Chargers fan.Dec. 07: A date which shall live in infamyOn this Pearl Harbor remembrance day, it is important not to make light of the calamity that Japan unleashed on the US base of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. It was a world-changing moment not only for the loss of life, but for the reverberating affects of this nation entering WWII. Instead, we will focus on the words spoken by FDR the following day, making the case that Dec. 7 should be a date long remembered for its infamy. That said, if you’ll humor me just a little, there might be a date a little lighter on infamy, but surely worth remembering for the Chargers faithful:November 25, 2012.Kirby Lee | US PresswireThe Chargers were not having a great season, and they entered this game at 4-7.The Ravens were having a resurgent season, standing at 9-2. The game would be played at Qualcomm, and the Chargers were underdogs in a losing season. That said Casey Hayward Color Rush Jersey , they played hard and long that day. Philip Rivers, while sacked six times that day, did not give up an interception or fumble for just the 3rd time in 11 games.The Bolts were knocking on fate’s door, up 13-10 in the final 2 minutes of the 4th quarter. The defense was doing its job, and the mighty Ravens were facing inevitable defeat. They were squarely in ‘4-down territory,’ but with 29 long yards between the ball and the 1st down marker, it’s a dubious prospect.Joe Flacco saw that his first read was no good, and in an instant he dumped the ball off to Ray Rice, seemingly attempting to maintain field position (which, in the best case scenario would leave 10-20 seconds and no time outs for them to work with if they get the ball back).What followed was the longest 4th down conversion since 2001: a 30-yard weaving scramble that set the Ravens up for a field goal.What were the odds that this would be successful?According to ESPN,RESULTSThe Ravens would win in overtime with another field goal. This win would also offer the Ravens the AFC North crown over the Bengals, who ended up with the same record. Of course, the Ravens would continue to run the board in the postseason and even win a SuperBowl trophy over the 49ers. The Chargers would play fairly well in December Melvin Ingram Color Rush Jersey , but their terrible October/November record (1-6) would doom the team. The funny thing is, with this win, the Chargers would have at least had an 8-8 season. Their wins over the Bengals and the Steelers the following two weeks really complicated the AFC North, a scenario currently playing out this year as well: The Steelers are wary of the Ravens on account of the Chargers’ improbable win over Pittsburgh. The real result of November 25, 2012 was that the curse of “the Chargers are gonna’ Charger” was solidified for all to see.I’m sorry, did you open this Advent Calendar expecting happy emotions and good times? You probably did.So here’s a little trinket to improve the whole deal: The longest verified 4th down distance since 1998 (and possibly longer, but records are tough to find):Hahaha, the Raiders. On 10/13/2013, they didn’t try it- they punted.And that punt didn’t even make it to the 1st down marker. Good times!-Jason “Sorry about the emotions” Michaels