Roddy White and the NFL's Most Selfless Players

Today's NFL player isn't exactly synonymous with the word "unselfish." 

Some demand the ball on every play, and a great number want huge and relatively unwarranted multi-year contracts after only one or two years of productive service. 

But not every guy running between the sidelines with a small NFL logo on his chest is totally playing solely for himself. There are some selfless individuals in the league today. 

Let's take a look at the most overtly unselfish. 

Ray Rice

Although Rice is currently holding out and has yet to sign the franchise tender that was slapped on him this offseason, he's still one of the most selfless players in the league. 

A running back that's picked up over 1,200 yards on the ground and has scored 29 touchdowns in the last three years deserves some financial security. 

In 2011, Rice was the Baltimore Ravens heartbeat, a steady force on the ground and a reliable target through the air. 

In the Ravens' four losses during the regular season, Rice carried the ball 13, eight, five and 10 times respectively. 

After those defeats in which he was clearly underutilized, there was never a peep from the Pro Bowl runner. 

With quarterback Joe Flacco incessantly trying to "prove himself" to the rest of the league, Rice simply sat back and took his lumps when his lack of touches clearly was a factor in the team's losses. 

He's also a profound community figure, holding "Ray Rice Days" now held in New York City and Baltimore, when he and his teammates interact with area youth in a football clinic. He also hosts "Ray of Light" conventions to help kids deal with the harshness of bullying.  

Tim Tebow

Tim Tebow might not be the most skilled quarterback in football, but he's certainly one of the most selfless. 

Last season, he wasn't absorbed with his own individual stats—he simply wanted his team to win. 

Many would say Tebow's unselfishness is forced simply because he can't accumulate amazing statistics from the quarterback position. 

Well, maybe that's true, but as of now, Tebow's done nothing in his NFL career to say he's a selfish player. 

There's a chance he decided on the Jets this offseason due to an unstable quarterback situation, but he's made no indication that he demands being the starter signal-caller for New York this season. 

He wants to his team to win. 

At any cost. 

Jason Witten

Jason Witten has been a staple in the Cowboys' offense since 2004, and has been a consummate teammate throughout his career in Dallas. 

He's earned every paycheck he's received from Jerry Jones and unquestionably deserved the five-year, $37 million deal he was given in 2011.

The former Tennessee star has become great friends with quarterback Tony Romo, a guy who's often the target of harsh criticism.

Having someone like Witten to fall back on is vital to the Cowboys' signal-caller.

When Witten gets the ball, Dallas is usually a successful team, but even when he's not targeted often or finishes with a low catch total in defeat, he never brings attention to himself by calling out teammates or coaches.

A stand-up guy and a true professional.  

Roddy White

With his recent comments, White certainly cemented himself as one of the league's most selfless individuals. 

The Atlanta Falcons Pro Bowl wideout stated the following in regards to the team's diversified offensive scheme this season (h/t Atlanta Journal-Constitution): 

"

I know that sounds crazy, but we’ve got other guys out there that can play. Julio Jones is going to be a big part of the offense this year. Harry Douglas is going to do wonders in the slot. We have to maximize our talent and get the ball in everyone’s hands.

"

This coming from a guy that's been amongst the league leaders in receptions over the last few seasons. In 2010, he led the NFL with 115 grabs. Last year, he hauled in 100 receptions, good for second in the league. 

He has intelligently identified other talented players on the roster and clearly isn't worried about how many passes he catches or the amount of yards he amasses. 

After advancing to the playoffs in each of the last three seasons and failing to win a game, it's obvious that White's true goal has shifted.