Bears cornerback Tracy Porter has been named the 2016 Good Guy award winner by the Chicago chapter of the Professional Football Writers of America.
"Porter has been one of the Bears' best players on the field and in dealings with the media," said Dan Pompei, first vice president of the PFWA. "The Chicago writers appreciate that he is consistently available, and he treats his media responsibilities professionally. In a season when it has not always been pleasant to face questions, Porter could be counted on for thoughtful answers. He should be a model for young players to follow."
Previous winners include quarterback Josh McCown (2013), safety Ryan Mundy (2014) and offensive lineman Matt Slauson (2015). The Bears honor the Good Guy award recipient with a plaque in the media room of the PNC Center at Halas Hall.
Bears cornerback Tracy Porter has been named the 2016 Good Guy award winner by the Chicago chapter of the Professional Football Writers of America.
Porter spoke to reporters after being presented with the award Thursday following practice.
"It's much appreciated," he said. "I can say I'm doing my job in speaking to you guys, but I enjoy informing you guys about what's going on with the team. It's just something that I've been fortunate to do for nine years now and I hopeful that it continues.
"I appreciate you guys for the honor. I wish this was an honor that would be taking us into the playoffs, but unfortunately things haven't gone our way. But we can only look forward to next year and hopefully once I get this award again we'll be going into the postseason."
One of the reporters jokingly asked Porter how winning the award compared to clinching a Super Bowl victory for the Saints in 2008 with an interception return for a touchdown against Peyton Manning and the Colts. Laughter immediately filled the room.
"I think the laughs answer that question," Porter said. "But like I said, I appreciate it. I appreciate any notoriety, any positive feedback that I get from anyone outside of the building."
As a student/athlete at Indiana, Porter took a public speaking class and was also taught how to deal with the media. But he still didn't think he'd be doing a lot of interviews when he entered the NFL.
"When I first got into the league, I just thought all the popular guys—quarterbacks, wide receivers, running backs; all of the high-paid guys—they got asked all of those questions," Porter said. "But that's when I was younger. When I was first in the league, I didn't know any better.
"But as I continued to get experience on and off the field, I developed a professionalism in dealing with the media and knowing how to respond to questions and how to handle myself. Whether after a big win or after a tough loss, there's a certain way you handle yourself. I've learned that over the years and here I am today."
