NFL Honors Awards 2015: Bleacher Report's Final Expert Awards
The NFL has gathered in the Valley of the Sun for Super Bowl XLIX, but that isn't the only big event taking place in Phoenix this week.
No, I don't mean the Waste Management Open. Or the Puppy Bowl.
I'm talking about this year's NFL Honors ceremony. For the fourth straight season, the NFL will hand out its season awards Oscars-style, with Seth Meyers hosting this year's hootenanny at the Phoenix Convention Center.
Well, here at Bleacher Report we didn't feel like waiting, so the Division Lead and National Lead Writers have gathered to bestow a few honors of our own.
Seth Meyers wasn't available to host, but we tried to come as close as we could. Unfortunately, when I said "Mike Myers" would be fine I probably should have been more specific.
Now I'm afraid to fire the dude.
He's a Myers anyway. But as a host, he leaves more than a little to be desired.
He just doesn't talk much.
And with that butchered joke (Get it? Butchered? Hey-O!), away we go!
Coach of the Year
1 of 14
Winner: Bruce Arians, Arizona Cardinals (14 votes)
The first of our awards was a runaway. In fact, it was very nearly a unanimous call.
In the opinion of Bleacher Report NFC West Lead Writer Sean Tomlinson, it was also an exceedingly easy one:
"This decision should require about 0.2 seconds. Bruce Arians coaches a team that plays in the same division as the potential two-time defending champions. Yet his Cardinals were still able to lead the NFC West for much of the season and go to the playoffs despite Carson Palmer starting only six games, and in total four quarterbacks took a meaningful regular-season snap. The Cardinals' weekly crumbling went far beyond that position, of course, and in total they lost 109 man games through injuries to 21 players. NFL head coaches often spew cliches, but Arians took "next man up" to a new frontier.
"
It's a hard point to argue with. Since taking the job in Arizona prior to the 2013 season, Arians has posted a 21-11 record as head coach.
No head coach in team history has won more games over his first two seasons.
That success was good enough for Brian Billick of NFL Network:
"Arians led Arizona to an 11-win season despite the fact that his franchise quarterback, Carson Palmer, was only available to start six games. It wasn't just the quarterback position that was decimated by injuries, either -- the Cardinals' roster of casualties included their defensive rock up front (Darnell Dockett, who missed the entire season with a knee injury), as well as the team's most explosive offensive weapon (Andre Ellington, who played through ailments for much of the season before landing on IR after Week 14). In fact, 15 different Cardinals who started 10-plus games in 2013 failed to start 10-plus in 2014, mostly due to injuries. That is a significant turnover in talent for any coach to overcome.
Despite the adversity, the Cardinals' victory total reached double digits for the second straight season, and the team earned its first playoff berth since 2009 (and just the third in the past 16 years). All this while playing in the NFC West -- the league's most competitive division. If Arians does win the award, he will join 10 other coaches who have nabbed Coach of the Year honors more than once.
"
Two wins in three years?
It's starting to look like Bruce Arians can coach or something.
Others receiving votes: Pete Carroll, Seattle Seahawks (1 vote)
Offensive Player of the Year
2 of 14
Winner: DeMarco Murray, RB, Dallas Cowboys (7 votes)
In today's pass-wacky NFL, with teams throwing the ball more than ever before, it's all about the quarterbacks and wide receivers. The glory. The money. The girls.
With that said, DeMarco Murray of the Dallas Cowboys reminded everyone in 2014 just how important a running back can still be in the NFL.
As David Helman of the team's website recently reported, the accolades are already rolling in after Murray led the league with over 1,800 yards on the ground in 2014:
"DeMarco Murray has been named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year by the Pro Football Writers’ Association.
It’s the next in what promises to be a long line of awards for Murray, who finished the 2014 season as the NFL’s leading rusher. In December he was named to the Pro Bowl for the second-consecutive season, and he was also designated first-team All-Pro.
Murray set career marks and Cowboys franchise records this past season, as he carried the ball 392 times for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns. Factoring in the Cowboys’ postseason run, Murray ran for 2,043 yards and 15 touchdowns in 18 games.
It wasn’t just his running ability, though. Murray was the Cowboys’ third-leading receiver with 57 receptions for another 416 yards, giving him 2,459 all-purpose yards on the season.
"
In the opinion of our voters, Murray has at least one more trophy heading his way.
Of course, awards aren't what Murray's most looking for this offseason. I think he'd prefer a fat new contract extension.
One thing at a time, DeMarco. One thing at a time.
Others receiving votes: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers (5 votes), Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys (2 votes), Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seattle Seahawks (1 vote)
Defensive Player of the Year
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Winner: J.J. Watt, DE, Houston Texans (15 votes)
Like there was even the tiniest doubt.
In fact, after being photographed in a J.J. Watt shirt on board the International Space Station, NASA astronaut Terry Virts told Eric Berger of the Houston Chronicle that Watt is much more than just a mortal lock to be named the top defensive player of 2014.
"I think most people can agree that J.J. Watt is the greatest football player, not only on Earth, but probably in the whole universe,” Virts said.
There are undoubtedly those who might argue that point, but after Watt racked up nearly 80 tackles, 20.5 sacks and five touchdowns (including three receptions for scores on offense), you'd be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn't believe he is the league's best defensive player.
As Bryan Broaddus of the Dallas Cowboys' website reports, Watt's intensity was on display in the Pro Bowl:
"If you asked me to describe the pace of the game, it was very similar to what you might see during a Wednesday practice where the defense is trying to give the offense a good picture by taking three really good steps then shutting it down in order to protect each other.
It was this way across the board with the one big exception -- J.J. Watt working against Tyron Smith. The intensity that Watt showed was similar to what he had seen from him when he battled Smith during that early October meeting between the Cowboys and Texans at AT&T Stadium.
"
The guy goes all-out—in the Pro Bowl.
A Pro Bowl, by the way, in which Watt intercepted a pass, recovered a fumble and won Defensive MVP honors.
Because of course he did.
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Offensive Rookie of the Year
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Winner: Odell Beckham, WR, New York Giants (14 votes)
Michael Irvin's victorious Pro Bowl team was loaded with players from Irvin's old team. The team was coached by Jason Garrett and the staff of the Dallas Cowboys.
And yet, according to what Irvin told Paul Schwartz of the New York Post, the hot topic on the sideline was a player for the New York Giants:
"One thing we talked a lot about was, ‘Man, you guys are going to have to deal with Odell Beckham Jr. for the next 10, 15 years.’ They were like, ‘Yeah, we’ve got some real problems.’ He’s just a great player.
"
Beckham was a revelation for the Giants. Despite missing the first month of the 2014 season, Beckham caught 91 passes for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns. All were tops among rookie receivers in a year that saw an astounding influx of impact players at the position.
Beckham caught some flak from his coaches for showboating on the field, but Irvin told Schwartz that sometimes you just have to let a peacock strut:
"I’m going to tell you this. New York should know better. Out of all the people in the world, New York should know better. You can’t take the lion out of the man. They did it to Jeremy Shockey and he wasn’t the same player. Guys like this are a lot like me. They create these fights for themselves and then they come out on Sunday and they fight like a dog. Don’t you stop them from creating those fights.
"
Oh, then there was this catch against the Cowboys, which was apparently pretty good.
I could do that.
On Madden.
Maybe.
Others receiving votes: Zack Martin, OG, Dallas Cowboys (1 vote)
Defensive Rookie of the Year
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Winner: Tie—Aaron Donald, DT, St. Louis Rams (7 votes), Khalil Mack, OLB, Oakland Raiders (7 votes)
The selection of outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney first overall by the Houston Texans in the 2014 NFL draft may not have gone according to plan, but there were still rookies who made a defensive impact this season.
In fact, there were so many that, despite racking up 133 tackles, Baltimore's C.J. Mosley ended up with only a single vote from our experts for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Charley Casserly of NFL.com would call that a "lowball":
"C.J. Mosley played well the entire year. This is truly a complete linebacker. While Mosley ranked seventh in the NFL with 133 tackles, he was also productive against the aerial attack, posting eight passes defensed and two interceptions. Mosley was not only one of the best rookies, but he quickly made his mark as one of the up-and-coming ILBs in the NFL.
"
However, it was a two-horse race for this year's top defensive rookie with our voters.
Seven voters (including myself) followed the Pro Football Writers of America's lead, selecting St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald after his nine-sack debut season.
Teammate William Hayes told Myles Simmons of the team's website that Donald certainly didn't play like a rookie:
"He’s probably the best rookie I’ve ever played with, and I’ve played with some really good football players. But we will be remembering his name 15, 20 years from now, I can promise you that. He’s something special.
"
With that said, as well as Donald played in 2014, Bleacher Report NFC South Lead Writer Brent Sobleski doesn't think he was the top defensive newcomer:
"Mired in the misery of the Oakland Raiders' 3-13 season, a special talent took root on the team's defense and blossomed into one of the NFL's finest linebackers. Khalil Mack was simply a force against the run. He set the edge as well as any outside linebacker or defensive end in the game and consistently developed as a pass-rusher throughout the season. It didn't take long before opposing offenses were forced to game plan around the former fifth overall pick. The Raiders have their first legitimate difference-maker on defense since Nnamdi Asomugha roamed their secondary.
"
Half a dozen scribes agreed with Sobleski, leaving us with a logjam in the Defensive Rookie of the Year vote.
Others receiving votes: C.J. Mosley, ILB, Baltimore Ravens (1 vote)
Comeback Player of the Year
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Winner: Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England Patriots (8 votes)
There are no losers where this award is concerned.
Any player who is even considered for Comeback Player of the Year has already won. Whether it's Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller or Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin coming back from injury or Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain getting his act together, all of these players have successfully revived their NFL fortunes.
However, only one of the players nominated here not only did that but also had the best season of any player in the league at his position.
As Rana Cash of Sporting News reported, that would be tight end Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots:
"Defenses didn't miss Rob Gronkowski one lick after the Patriots tight end sustained a season-ending knee injury against the Browns in December 2013. It was a terrible end to a year that didn't start too well either, as he recovered from a back injury.
Whatever he did between then and now, didn't just work; it should be bottled, manufactured and distributed to ailing, banged up and downtrodden athletes every where. Gronkowski elevated his nastiness to ridiculous heights in 2014 and everyone took notice. There was no contest, really, when NFL players and coaches were asked to name this season's Sporting News Comeback Player of the Year.
Gronkowski was a matchup nightmare wearing a smile. He dominated safeties and blew by linebackers in coverage, to grab 82 catches for 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was fun and terrifying, just the way we like him.
"
"Gronk" was also named Comeback Player of the Year by the PFWA, as well as by our panel here.
It's a pretty safe bet he'll be adding to that haul on Saturday.
Sunday, on the other hand, is another question altogether.
Others receiving votes: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Philadelphia Eagles (4 votes), Rolando McClain, ILB, Dallas Cowboys (1 vote), Malcom Floyd, WR, San Diego Chargers (1 vote), Von Miller, OLB, Denver Broncos (1 vote)
Art Rooney NFL Sportsmanship Award
7 of 14
Winner: Thomas Davis, LB, Carolina Panthers (5 votes)
The NFL Sportsmanship Award is a new honor being bestowed for the first time this year. As NFL.com reported, the award recognizes "players who best exemplify outstanding sportsmanship on the field, including fair play and respect for the game."
Insert a Tom Brady and/or Ndamukong Suh joke here. I would have, but there are just too many to choose from.
Each team nominated one player, with eight finalists selected by a panel of Warrick Dunn, Curtis Martin, Karl Mecklenburg and Leonard Wheeler, who are all part of the NFL Legends Community.
The finalists, per NFL.com, are:
"Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis
Davis is a 10-year NFL veteran and a stalwart on the Panthers' defense. He's a four-time team captain and is No. 2 on Carolina's all-time tackles list with 705.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald is an 11-year veteran out of Pittsburgh. He is Arizona's all-time leading receiver with 903 receptions for 12,089 yards and 89 touchdowns. Fitzgerald, 31, hails as the youngest receiver to catch 900 passes.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway
Greenway is the Vikings' all-time leading tackler with 981. He's a two-time Pro Bowler and has led Minnesota in tackles the past six seasons, which is tied for a team record.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson
Johnson, known as "Megatron," ranks first in Lions history with 10,263 receiving yards and 72 touchdowns. Johnson set the NFL's all-time single-season record with 1,964 receiving yards during the 2012 season.
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu
A 12-year veteran out of USC, Polamalu ranks third in Pittsburgh history with 755 tackles. The safety, who's known for his long hair and aggressive playing style, has led the Steelers to two Super Bowl victories.
New England Patriots wide receiver Matthew Slater
A seven-year NFL veteran out of UCLA, Slater is a special teams ace for the Patriots. He has led the Patriots' special teams unit in tackles the past three seasons and is a three-time Pro Bowl selection.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith
Smith was selected No. 1 overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2005 NFL Draft. He has spent the last two seasons with the Chiefs and has led the team to a 19-10 regular-season record.
Denver Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware
Ware is a 10-year veteran who spent his first nine years with the Dallas Cowboys before joining the Broncos in 2014. The outside linebacker is a seven-time Pro Bowler and has compiled 127 sacks in his career.
"
A handful of voters here at Bleacher Report went rogue, nominating a pair of players in Calais Campbell of the Cardinals and Vincent Jackson of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who aren't even on the list of finalists.
However, it was Davis, who has overcome three ACL tears over his 10 years in the league, who got the call.
And it's a solid one. Davis may not be a household name, but he's a true pro's pro who has hit the 100-tackle mark in each of the past three seasons.
Others receiving votes: Alex Smith, QB, Kansas City Chiefs (3 votes), Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals (3 votes), Calais Campbell, DE, Arizona Cardinals (2 votes), Vincent Jackson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2 votes)
NFL.com Fantasy Player of the Year
8 of 14
Winner: DeMarco Murray, RB, Dallas Cowboys (8 votes)
The NFL.com Fantasy Player of the Year is different from many of the awards presented at the NFL Honors, in that the recipient of the award is chosen by the fans.
In a way, it's only fitting. After all, it's the fans who have turned fantasy football from an underground hobby into a multibillion dollar industry.
That growth has helped the NFL itself, as more and more fans tune in to see not only their favorite teams, but also the players on their fantasy squad.
The fantasy owners who tuned in to watch Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray were pleased with what they saw more weeks than not.
Not only did Murray's huge 2014 season propel the Dallas Cowboys to their first division title since 2009, but it also made Murray fantasy's top-scoring running back in NFL.com default fantasy scoring.
It was enough for Gene Wang of The Washington Post to call Murray fantasy's MVP after Week 16 (when many fake seasons end):
"Murray was the most productive fantasy player by a large margin. The Dallas Cowboys running back is going to win the rushing title and leads the league with 12 touchdowns. He is averaging 116.3 yards per game — far and away tops in the NFL –and appears in line to play 16 games for the first time in his injury-plagued career.
Murray certainly will be in the conversation among players in the mix to be taken No. 1 overall next season. The only others in his class at the position are Le’Veon Bell, Jamaal Charles, LeSean McCoy, Adrian Peterson (pending his availability) and perhaps Marshawn Lynch, although where Lynch ends up after Seattle will go a long way toward determining how high Beast Mode ranks on fantasy draft boards.
"
Just over half our voters agreed.
Others receiving votes: Odell Beckham, WR, New York Giants (6 votes), Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts (1 vote)
FedEx Air Player of the Year
9 of 14
Winner: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers (11 votes)
The FedEx Air Player of the Year was an effort to address the most neglected position in football. After all, how often do quarterbacks actually win awards?
I mean, it's not like six of the past seven NFL MVPs have been quarterbacks or something.
Snark aside, what the FEAPOY (um, yeah) is is a chance for fans across the world to pick the league's top signal-caller. In this golden age at the position, there's certainly no shortage of worthy candidates.
For the writers here at Bleacher Report, the choice was clear.
Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers had what's become a fairly ordinary season for him. Almost 4,400 passing yards, 38 touchdown passes, five interceptions.
Yes, five. For the season.
Of course, those sorts of numbers are anything but ordinary, and in the opinion of one former quarterback, per Sports Illustrated, there's little question who the NFL's top player at its most important position is.
"If you look at the combination of the whole package, I would say Aaron (Rodgers) is by far is the best," he told Fox Sports.
Now, that quarterback also went on to say Tom Brady is the NFL MVP in 2014, but considering who that quarterback is, any compliment directed at Rodgers carries additional weight.
Because that quarterback is Brett Favre.
Others receiving votes: Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys (2 votes), Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts (2 votes)
FedEx Ground Player of the Year
10 of 14
Winner: DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys (15 votes)
In some respects, the FedEx Ground Player of the Year is a welcome award. It means that we won't completely forget that running backs exist, despite the devaluation of the position in recent years.
Of course, if Saturday night plays out like our voters predict, DeMarco Murray is going to be a hard player to forget.
He's going to be walking back and forth to the stage every 15 minutes.
This marks Murray's third "win" of this article, and while some have attributed much of his success in 2014 to Dallas' stellar offensive line, tight end Jason Witten wasn't hearing it, according to ESPN's Todd Archer:
"Obviously the O-line, but I think it would be silly to not give him (Murray) the credit for what he did. It’s not easy to do that and I think Coach [Jason] Garrett said it a few weeks back that he created a mindset for our team and that’s not easy to do. He deserves a lot of that credit, DeMarco does, and so that’s why you want a guy like that back because he stands for everything you want in your football team.
"
Murray's return to the Cowboys is no sure bet, but this much is.
The Dallas Cowboys would not have won 12 games and the NFC East in 2014 with Joseph Randle as their starting tailback.
Yeah, I said it.
Walter Payton Man of the Year
11 of 14
Winner: Thomas Davis, OLB, Carolina Panthers (15 votes)
Football is great. I love it, and not just because I make a living covering the game. I have since I was a kid.
With that said though, it remains just that. A game. There are far more important things in life.
Any number of NFL players get that—far more than the number who make the news for all the wrong reasons.
As NFL.com reports, each of the finalists for this year's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award make an impact off the field even larger than their contributions to their teams on it.
They are San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin:
"While Boldin has amassed an impressive on-field record, he has never lost sight of the importance of giving back to the community. The Anquan Boldin Foundation was formed in 2004 by Boldin with a mission to expand the educational and life opportunities of underprivileged youth. In December 2014, he and his wife, Dionne, announced a $1 million pledge to increase the impact of their Foundation.
The Foundation offers programs throughout the year, including a summer enrichment program, Thanksgiving food drives offering 300 meals annually and holiday shopping sprees. In the fall of 2014, the Foundation awarded $10,000 academic scholarship to four students entering college and, since its inception, has awarded eleven four-year scholarships through the "Q81" Foundation Scholarship Fund.
"
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers:
"Rodgers has committed his time and passion to numerous charitable organizations, including several causes that directly impact the life of children such as the MACC Fund (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer), www.itsaaron.com and Make-A-Wish. Through his work with the MACC Fund, he has helped raise awareness and support for children with cancer and blood disorders. He recently eclipsed the $1.5 million mark in total monies raised through his own personal efforts, campaigns and events.
Rodgers co-created www.itsaaron.com to help raise awareness and build support for organizations and individuals making a difference in their communities, including those that help children with cancer and those who have faced physical disabilities or poverty.
"
And the player our panel once again selected for a "good guy" award, linebacker Thomas Davis of the Carolina Panthers:
"Off the field, Davis puts his shoulder in to as many charities as he does opposing team ball carriers. In 2007, he and his wife Kelly founded the Thomas Davis Defending Dreams Foundation (TDDDF), a non-profit dedicated to providing and promoting free programs that enhance the quality of life for more than 2,000 underprivileged children and their families annually. Since its inception, the foundation has distributed more than $500,000 in aid. The foundation's cornerstone program, the Youth Leadership Academy, is a 14-week afterschool mentoring program for low-income middle school students.
Davis annually provides two college scholarships for graduating high school seniors who have completed the Youth Leadership Academy program. Through TDDDF, Davis also hosts annual programs including a back-to-school supply giveaway, a Thanksgiving meal for members of a local women's shelter and a Christmas gift giveaway for underprivileged children, in Charlotte, N.C., parts of South Carolina and in Davis' hometown in Georgia.
Davis is an avid proponent of keeping youth active and healthy. In June 2013, he led the construction of the first and only playground in his rural hometown of Shellman, Ga. In addition, his annual free football camp provides more than 350 children with instruction in football basics and life skills. Davis is active in the Panthers' PLAY 60 efforts and is a frequent visitor at the local pediatric hospital.
"
There's no wrong call here, and it's a shame they all can't be recognized (along with all the other players who give so much back to their communities) as "winners" here.
Bridgestone Performance Play of the Year
12 of 14Winner: Odell Beckham's Catch (14 votes)
In a regular season that contains 256 games and over 15,000 minutes of game action, it can be hard to single out one play as the best.
Unless, of course, that play was so unbelievable that I don't even have to remind you when it happened, or who it happened against.
And that's the case with New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham's ridiculous, one-handed touchdown grab against the Dallas Cowboys in November.
As Chris Chase of USA Today reported, Cris Collinsworth, who was calling the game for NBC, said, “That is absolutely impossible what he just did. That may be the greatest catch I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Mind you, this from a former player who's been neck-deep in the NFL for the past three decades.
Collinsworth's broadcast partner, Al Michaels, proclaimed, "There’s your play of the year and maybe, I don’t know, the decade. That’s just incredible.”
And Michaels has been broadcasting sports since the dawn of time. He's literally the man who asked if we believe in miracles.
Beckham's grab may be about as close as you'll get to seeing one on a football field.
Others receiving votes: J.J. Watt's pick-six in Week 4 (1 vote)
Salute to Service Award
13 of 14
Winner: Vincent Jackson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6 votes)
The NFL Salute to Service Award is another new honor. Hey, if you're going to televise an event you need to have something to fill the time slot.
With that said, given that the award honors "the exceptional efforts by members of the NFL community to honor and support U.S. service members and veterans," I'd have no qualms if the league wants to hand out 10 of them.
Or 20.
Three of this year's nominees received votes from our panel. Of course, there were only two finalists, but hey, it's all for a good cause, right?
Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals may not have made the cut with judges, but his work was still laudable:
"Throughout his career, Cardinals Wide Receiver Larry Fitzgerald has consistently demonstrated his support for the United States Armed Forces. In October 2014, Fitzgerald held a free, two-day ProCamp for 130 military children at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. At the camp, Fitzgerald joined local coaches in helping teach the children the fundamentals of football, including route-running and catching passes. The camp helped support the Defense Department's Healthy Base Initiative, which helps service members, their families and DOD civilians live healthier lives through nutrition and fitness. It was the second ProCamp Fitzgerald participated in this year, having also joined a group of NFL players who helped out at a camp at the Schofield Barracks in O'ahu, Hawaii in January. Fitzgerald's dedication to helping support and promote the Armed Forces comes from having a family with deep military ties. Fitzgerald's grandfather, Dr. Robert Johnson, was a Lieutenant in the Army who won a Purple Heart for his service in Korea. His aunt and uncle, Paul and Sam Jones, are both Lieutenant Colonels in the Army.
"
As was that of Chicago Bears defensive end Jared Allen:
"In 2009, Bears' five-time Pro Bowl defensive end, Jared Allen had the opportunity to visit with troops in the Persian Gulf with the 43rd annual USO/NFL Tour. Along the way, he was able to meet thousands of brave men and women, many of whom he says he'll never forget. Allen came back humbled, inspired, and ready to tackle a new venture. That same year, he launched Jared Allen's Homes for Wounded Warriors (JAH4WW), a nonprofit organization created to help provide financial assistance and support to injured United States military veterans by building handicap accessible homes at no cost to the recipients.
"
And the contributions of our leading vote-getter, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson:
"Though he's a 10-year NFL veteran, the background story of three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson seemingly only began to spread throughout the NFL and the league's corresponding communities when he joined the Buccaneers in 2012. Born in Fort Polk, La., to parents with a combined 25 years of active-duty service in the U.S. Army, the self-proclaimed "military brat" experienced firsthand what it means to grow up in a military family. His adolescence included stints in Phoenix, Az.; Colorado Springs, Colo.; and even Gräfenberg, Germany. Following seven noteworthy years with the San Diego Chargers, Jackson's move to Tampa proved to be the perfect time and environment to focus his passion for supporting those whose path he's walked. It was no mistake that on Veterans' Day of 2012, the wide receiver officially launched the Jackson In Action 83 Foundation through an editorial published in the Tampa Tribune and the Tampa Bay Times, where he urged readers to remember and salute those families who have sacrificed for the freedom of the greater good.
"
Once again, there are nothing but winners here. The stories of the rest of this year's nominees from each NFL team can be found on the Salute to Service website.
And while they're great stories all, they pale next to the stories of sacrifice and courage lived every day by the men and women of our Armed Forces.
Others receiving votes: Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals (5 votes), Jared Allen, DE, Chicago Bears (4 votes)
Most Valuable Player
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Winner: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers (6 votes)
It's time for the piece de resistance, the grand finale, the highlight of Saturday night's awards.
If our panel is correct, the 2014 MVP award is going to have a familiar feel.
Because not only is Aaron Rodgers a quarterback, but he's won the NFL's biggest individual award before.
Still, for Dave Dameshek of NFL.com, this year's two-horse race for MVP (in most eyes) between Rodgers and J.J. Watt isn't really a two-horse race at all:
"J.J. Watt had one of the all-time great seasons for a defensive lineman. Unfortunately for Watt, Aaron Rodgers had one of the all-time great seasons at the sport's most important position. What's more, Rodgers' team won its division; Watt's didn't make the playoffs.
A percentage of people seem to always forget this award doesn't have 'best' anywhere in the title -- it's about who's 'most valuable.' Would the Packers have made the playoffs with Watt on the D-line and, say, Andy Dalton or Jay Cutler under center? I say no. Now flip that hypothetical: Would the Texans have made it with Rodgers at QB and a middle-of-the-pack replacement for Watt? Of course they would have. And thus ends this debate.
"
Colleague Kevin Patra agrees:
"The Packers' quarterback willed his team to a division title on one leg. However, it was his performance prior to the injury that cinched his second MVP award. After his R-E-L-A-X statement, Rodgers played the most difficult position on the planet with ease. Teammates and coaches even opined that he was playing better than he did during his 2011 MVP season. His numbers would have been incrementally better, except the Packers were constantly blowing teams out early in games and he took his foot off the pedal.
"
The Pro Football Writers of America concur as well, naming Rodgers their MVP a couple of weeks ago.
I'll freely admit I cast my MVP vote for Watt, both on my PFWA ballot and here at Bleacher Report.
With that said, however, it's rather difficult to dispute Rodgers as a worthy candidate coming off a season where he threw 25 touchdown passes at home without a single interception.
Still, I doubt the shiny trophy will make Rodgers feel any better about how the NFC Championship Game ended.
Others receiving votes: J.J. Watt, DE, Houston Texans (5 votes), Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys (2 votes), Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks (1 vote), Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England Patriots (1 vote)
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