Utah Jazz' Rudy Gobert Named Male Athlete Of The Year By Utah Sports Commission

He may be in the headlines of most news for the past two weeks but this time, it is about something that he’s done for the community.

Utah Jazz’ center Rudy Gobert has been named as the Governor’s State of Sport Awards as the Professional Male Athlete of the Year. The award recognized the contribution of the French big man’s contribution, as well as other athletes, to the state of Utah.

The 27-year old joins Professional Female Athlete Of The Year Christen Press and Kelly O’Hara of the Utah Royals FC, University of Utah Skiing Team as the Team of the Year, Zack Moss as the Collegiate Male Athlete of the Year, gymnast McKayla Skinner as Collegiate Female Athlete of the Year, and Ed Eyestone as the Coach of the Year among others who were named as honorees of the award-giving body created by the Utah Sports Commission.

“The Utah Jazz’ 7-1, 245-pound center Rudy Gobert has become a real backbone of the Jazz’ success, a fan favorite and deeply integrated with the community through his personal cause-related outreach,” the body said about the 27-year old Gobert. They recognized the contribution of the 7-foot-1 center to the team, which includes the distinction of being named NBA Defensive Player of the Year, NBA All-Defensive First Team, All-NBA Third Team, and for bringing the Jazz to the top-three NBA defensive rating.

They also recognized his work with the community which includes holiday parties, his Rudy’s Kids Foundation, and the donation program for every shot that he blocked, which will go to foundations such as Salt Lake Couty Youth Services, ShelterKids, and Utah Refugee Connection.

Two weeks after his diagnosis of the coronavirus, Gobert, his teammate Donovan Mitchell, and the entire Utah Jazz personnel, was cleared of COVID-19. Gobert’s diagnosis appeared to be the green light for the NBA to suspend the rest of the season to avoid the spread of the disease,