Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was named NFL Most Valuable Player by the Associated Press for the third time in his career on Saturday night.
Packers' Aaron Rodgers wins third NFL MVP award
February 7, 2021 at 5:35AM
Star Tribune NFL writer Mark Craig, one of 50 voters on the selection committee, said of Rodgers, who was his choice: "A crowded field early became a slam-dunk pick by season's end."
Here are the rest of the award winners and Craig's vote in each category (with some comments):
Offensive Player of the Year
Winner: Derrick Henry, RB, Titans
Craig's pick: Henry.
Defensive Player of the Year
Winner: Aaron Donald, DT, Rams (only the third player to win the award three times)
Craig's pick: T.J. Watt, OLB, Steelers
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Winner: Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers
Craig's pick: Justin Jefferson, WR, Vikings. No offense to Herbert — a well-deserving choice — but the NFL hasn't seen a rookie receiver this gifted and this special since Randy Moss. (Jefferson received nine votes.)
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Winner: Chase Young, DE, Washington
Craig's pick: Young
Comeback Player of the Year
Winner: Alex Smith, QB, Washington
Craig's pick: Smith. Toughest player in a tough-guy league.
Coach of the Year
Winner: Kevin Stefanski, Browns
Craig's pick: Stefanski. Former Vikings offensive coordinator took Cleveland to the playoffs. 'Nuff said.
Assistant Coach of the Year
Winner: Brian Daboll, Bills
Craig's pick: Todd Bowles, Bucs
about the writer
Mike Conley was in Minneapolis, where he sounded the Gjallarhorn at the Vikings game, on Sunday during the robbery.
