It was a big night in the NFL world. The Hall of Fame inductees were introduced as well as the NFL’s regular season award winners. Tonight came with more surprises than not. Here are the players/coaches who won awards at the 2017 ‘NFL Honors’ awards show:
FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Year: Matt Ryan, Ezekiel Elliott
Salute To Service Award Presented by USAA: Falcons HC Dan Quinn
“Greatness on the Road” Award: Le’Veon Bell
Performance Play of the Year: Buccaneers wideout Mike Evans’ one-handed catch against the Falcons
Offensive Line of the Year: Dallas Cowboys
Clutch Performer of the Year: Derek Carr
Coach of the Year: Jason Garrett
AP Assistant Coach of the Year: Kyle Shanahan, Atlanta Falcons
Offensive Player of the Year: Matt Ryan
Defensive Player of the Year: Khalil Mack
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Dak Prescott
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Joey Bosa
Comeback Player of the Year: Jordy Nelson
NFL MVP: greatMatt Ryan
All of the names mentioned above deserved their awards. Jason Garrett led a team that finished 4-12 to a 13-3 finish this season. Sure, he had significant additional parts, but his coaching ability absolutely helped them win football games. Matt Ryan had one of the best offensive years in recent history. No one will argue about him winning the NFL MVP, right? The year he had made defensive coordinators lose HOURS of sleep. There is also no questioning Dak Prescott winning OROY award, either. From being a fourth-round draft pick to coming in immediately and playing with poise only experienced quarterbacks understand? That’s just unheard of; until now.
Mack and Bosa terrorized defenses with their pass-rushing ability. Not only did they terrorize quarterbacks, but they also were great run stoppers. But how can we forget about Jordy Nelson? He led all receiver’s in touchdowns this season with 14. An unbelievable comeback year for him. As an NFL fan, I am glad to see him back and playing.
Also during the show, the 2017 Pro Football Hall of Fame class was officially announced. The class includes Kurt Warner, Terrell Davis, LaDainian Tomlinson, Kenny Easley, Jason Taylor, Morten Andersen, and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
Other Notable 2016 NFL Regular Season Awards
The Dallas Cowboys won the Offensive Line of the Year award. With how well this line protected rookie’s Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott, they definitely deserved this award. Additionally, Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan was awarded Assistant Coach of the Year. His offensive led the league in yards per attempt, points per game, and total touchdowns. This unit is 7th on the all-time list in best offenses in league history.
The Sportsmanship Award was awarded to Frank Gore. Gore has paid his dues when it comes to the NFL. While playing over 11 seasons in the NFL, he is ranked 8th in career rushing yards with 13,065 yards.
