Wednesday afternoon's news that Thomas Davis is the leading vote-getter among outside linebackers for the Pro Bowl, an honor that's eluded him for so long, was big. Wednesday night's news was arguably bigger.

Davis was unveiled as a contender for Sports Illustrated's 2015 Sportsman of the Year. Of the 12 finalists, Davis is the NFL's lone representative.

The Sportsman of the Year is awarded annually to "the athlete or team whose performance that year most embodies the spirit of sportsmanship and achievement." Only seven NFL players have won the award since its inception in 1954.

Davis, who won the 2014 Walter Payton Man of the Year award, is having what may be his best year yet on the field. On pace for what would be a career-high 130 tackles, Davis has helped lead the Panthers to their best start in franchise history.

Joining him on SI's final list is Panthers fan, Charlotte native and NBA MVP Stephen Curry. The other 10 are Usain Bolt (track and field), Simone Biles (gymnastics), Novak Djokovic (tennis), Serena Williams (tennis), Carli Lloyd (soccer), Lionel Messi (soccer), Ronda Rousey (mixed martial arts), Jordan Spieth (golf), American Pharoah (horse racing) and Major League Baseball's Kansas City Royals.

SI's editors will have the final say of who wins the award, but you can vote in a reader poll until Dec. 12. The Sportsman of the Year will be announced Dec. 14.