Lanning named one of seven finalists for Lombardi Award

Iowa+State+senior+Joel+Lanning+runs+the+ball+during+the+second+half+of+the+AutoZone+Liberty+Bowl+against+Memphis.

Chris Jorgensen/Iowa State Daily

Iowa State senior Joel Lanning runs the ball during the second half of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl against Memphis.

Jack Macdonald

When the seven finalists for the Lombardi Award were announced, Iowa State redshirt senior linebacker/quarterback Joel Lanning survived the cut. 

The Lombardi Foundation announced on Monday its seven finalists for the award that is given to the player that best demonstrates the best leadership, resiliency, character and overall performance. 

On Jan. 15, Lanning was announced as one of the 21 finalists for the award. The Ankeny native finished the season with six sacks, 11 tackles for loss, a fumble recovery, an interception, two rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown. 

Four of the seven finalists will be invited to attend the award ceremony on Jan. 27 in Houston, Texas, where the winner will be announced. The full list of the seven finalists are below. 

Lombardi Award Finalists

Saquon Barkley, Penn State

Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama

Shaquem Griffin, UCF

Lamar Jackson, Louisville

Joel Lanning, Iowa State

Bryce Love, Stanford

Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma