What NFL Awards Are There?
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There are a number of NFL awards that are given out each year. Some of the more popular awards are the MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Rookie of the Year.
NFL Awards
The National Football League hands out a variety of awards each year to recognize the best players, coaches, and teams in the league. Some of the most prestigious awards are the NFL MVP, the Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year, and the Coach of the Year. These awards are voted on by a panel of NFL experts and media members.
MVP
The MVP is the most prestigious award in the NFL. It is given to the player who is considered to have the most value to his team. The MVP is selected by a vote of NFL players and coaches.
Rookie of the Year
The National Football League Rookie of the Year Award is an award given by various news and sports organizations to the top rookie(s) of the National Football League (NFL) season. The first formal Rookie of the Year award (thus far unconnected to any otherdb existing award), was created by the NFL in 1957. In 1999, The Sporting News began giving out an annual Rookie of the Year Award.
Different entities give out NFL Rookie of the Year Awards, but most notable are those awarded by Associated Press (AP), Pro Football Writers Association (PFWA), and Sporting News. Eachbof these organizations has its own criteria for judging rookies. Some past winners include Peyton Manning, Emmitt Smith, Jerry Rice, annd Odell Beckham Jr.
Defensive Player of the Year
The Defensive Player of the Year Award is an annual award given to the defensive player who is considered the most valuable player in the National Football League (NFL). The award was first given out in 1971 and has been given out annually since then. It is considered one of the most prestigious awards in the NFL.
Past winners of the award include some of the biggest names in NFL history, such as Lawrence Taylor, Reggie White, J.J. Watt, Aaron Donald, and Khalil Mack. The award is often given to players who excel at either sacks or interceptions, or both.
Offensive Player of the Year
The National Football League Offensive Player of the Year Award is presented annually by the National Football League (NFL) to the league’s offensive player who has demonstrated “excellence for his team.” The winner is selected by a vote of NFL offensive coordinators.
Comeback Player of the Year
The Comeback Player of the Year Award is given to a player who has shown perseverance in overcoming an injury, illness, or other adverse circumstance to return to top form. This award is voted on by NFL.com analysts and writers.
Other Awards
There are a few other awards that don’t necessarily go to the best player at their position, but these awards are more like a “lifetime achievement” award. These awards are the Ed Block Courage Award, the Bart Starr Award, and the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
Ed Block Courage Award
Given to a player from each team who exemplifies the principles of courage and sportsmanship while also serving as a source of strength and inspiration. This award was established in 1974 by Ed Block, the longtime head athletic trainer of the Baltimore Colts, and is now voted on by each team’s players.
Walter Payton Man of the Year Award
The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is given out annually to an NFL player who demonstrates excellence on and off the field. The award honors Payton’s legacy as a Hall of Fame player and devoted humanitarian. It is the only NFL award that recognizes a player’s community service activities as well as his playing excellence.
The award was established in 1970 and was originally called the NFL Man of the Year Award. In 1999, it was renamed the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in honor of Payton, who died that year.
Payton was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1977. He also held the league record for most career rushing yards (16,726) when he retired in 1987. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993.
Off the field, Payton was actively involved in numerous charitable causes. He founded the Walter Payton Foundation in 1988 to help fight cancer, provide assistance to needy families, and support youth sports programs.
Bart Starr Award
The Bart Starr Award is given to the NFL player who best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community. Named after former Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr, who played for Green Bay from 1956 to 1971 and was named MVP of both Super Bowl I and II, the award was first presented in 1974.
The award is voted on by NFL players and is presented annually at the Super Bowl Breakfast, an annual event held the morning of the Super Bowl that raises funds for charitable causes.
