2019 NFL Honors

Last Saturday, Steve Harvey hosted the 8th annual NFL Honors. The MVP, Walter Payton Man of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, Defensive Rookie of the Years, Comeback Player of the Year and Coach of the Year, were revealed.

The MVP

After becoming the Offensive Player of the Year, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, Patrick Mahomes was named the NFL 2019 MVP. During his prolific campaign, he threw 50 touchdowns on top of 5,097 yards. He ended up leading his team to the AFC championship, but his season was ended by Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in overtime.

“When you look at this award, you see the rich history that it has. You see guys like Elway and Favre, Manning and Brady, and many more. And I am so humbled that I can be sharing this prestigious honor with them,” said Mahomes

The Walter Payton Man Of The Year

This year, Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long was the Walter Payton Man of the Year. He established the Chris Long Foundation to fulfill three main philanthropic causes: clean water, military appreciation and youth education. He will try to continue his works to help people near and far.

“I am honored to be named the 2018 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year and to join the long line of men who have received this prestigious honor,” said Long after receiving the award.

Offensive Player Of The Year

Patrick Mahomes also earned Offensive Player of the Year. See his stats and achievements above in the MVP section.

Patrick Mahomes said “It’s awesome. It’s a special honor and I thank all of them for that,”

Defensive Player Of The Year

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle, Aaron Donald, became the Defensive Player of the Year for the second year in a row. This season he recorded a league high 20.5 sacks, 59 tackles, and a league high 25 tackles for loss.

Offensive Rookie Of The Year

The New York Giants running back, Saquon Barkley, was named the Offensive Rookie of the Year. He ran for 1,307 yards and 11 touchdowns, while catching 91 passes for 721 yards, and 4 touchdowns. His 91 receptions is a new record for a rookie running back.

After he was given the award, Saquon said “It is an honor to win this award. First and foremost I wanna say thank you to God. I wanna say thank you to my family, especially my parents. I wanna say thank you to my teammates, the coaches, the whole Giants organization. Any kid that looks up to me, or any athlete in this building, you can do anything in the world, as long as you put your mind to it and continue to work, anything is possible.”   

Defensive Rookie Of The Year

Though he was not voted to the Pro Bowl, Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard was crowned the Defensive Rookie of the Year. He led the NFL in tackles, with 163, recorded two interceptions, four forced fumbles, and seven sacks.

Darius Leonard said “I couldn’t do it as a linebacker, you know you cannot run free without your defensive line and my defensive line played amazing all year. Killed me free and allowed me to run around and make plays, so I appreciate y’all boys for allowing me to do my job.”

Comeback Player Of The Year

After missing all of 2017 to severe shoulder injuries, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck won Comeback Player of the Year. During his first season back, he threw for 4,593 yards, 39 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.

“This is a true honor, being injured, missing football, it’s no fun, but you do learn a lot about yourself.” said Luck.

Coach Of The Year

After the Bears went 5-11 last season, they decided to hire Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Coordinator, Matt Nagy. Nagy led the Bears to the playoffs off a 12-4 record, and to a division title, after an 8-year drought. His team ended up losing in the Wild Card.

Matt Nagy said, “When you win, whoever it is — who cares? — let’s just play ball. That’s what we’re going to do.”