New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins is this year's recipient of the Jim Finks Media Appreciation Award, based on a vote from 27 local media members.
Rankins, a 6-foot-2, 305-pounder out of Louisville, was the team's first-round pick in the 2016 draft, 12th overall. He has started every game this season and has two sacks.
The award is given annually to players who best help the media and fan base through their cooperation and insight.
Previous winners:
2001 OG Wally Williams
2002 WR Joe Horn
2003 K John Carney
2004 TE Ernie Conwell
2005 OT Wayne Gandy
2006 QB Drew Brees
2007 LB Scott Fujita
2008 RB Deuce McAllister
2009 OT Jon Stinchcomb (*Brees won national NFL award)
2010 LB Scott Shanle
2011 S Malcolm Jenkins
2012 OT Zach Strief
2013 LB Junior Galette
2014 OT Zach Strief
2015 S Kenny Vaccaro
2016 WR Willie Snead
