All the Award Winners at the 2023 NFL Honors

All the Award Winners at the 2023 NFL Honors

Honoring some of the best players, coaches, performances, and moments from the 2022 NFL season, the 2023 NFL Honors was one to remember for a variety of reasons. It aired on NBC and the NFL Network (and streamed on Peacock) on February 9th at the Phoenix Symphony Hall in Phoenix, Arizona. 

It was the 12th edition of the event and was hosted by Kelly Clarkson, who became the first woman to ever host it – previous hosts include Keegan-Michael Key (2022, 2017), Steve Harvey (2019-2021), Rob Riggle (2018), Conan O’Brien (2016), Seth Meyers (2015), and Alec Baldwin (2012-2014).

All of the most prestigious awards are handed out during the event – such as the MVP, Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year, Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year, and the incoming Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023. It makes for must-see TV.

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Who Were All the Winners at the 2023 NFL Honors?

All the Award Winners at the 2023 NFL Honors
via Instagram (@jjettas2)

Before we get into the awards at the 2023 NFL Honors, I want to first highlight one of the biggest winners of the night – Damar Hamlin. While he didn’t receive an award, he received the greatest gift of all just six weeks ago when he survived one of the scariest moments we’ve ever seen during a live NFL game. 

The Buffalo Bills’ safety collapsed and suffered cardiac arrest during their Week 17 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, but is here today to tell the tale. He made an emotional speech at the 2023 NFL Honors and was surrounded by all the medical staffers that helped save his life over the past six weeks. 

“My vision was about playing in the NFL, and being the best player I could be. But God’s plan was to have a purpose greater than any game in this world,” he said. “I have a long journey ahead. A journey full of unknowns, and a journey full of milestones. But it’s a lot easier to face your fears when you know your purpose.”

With that said, let’s take a look at all the players and coaches who were honored with an award on this special night!

20. Hall of Fame Class of 2023

Every year, the NFL inducts a new class of legendary players into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Last year, the Class of 2022 included the likes of OT Tony Boselli, WR Cliff Branch, S LeRoy Butler, DL Bryant Young, LB Sam Mills, DL Richard Seymour, coach Dick Vermeil, and official Art McNally

This year, the Class of 2023 included the likes of DB Ronde Barber, LB Chuck Howley, DL Joe Klecko, CB Darrelle Revis, CB Ken Riley, OT Joe Thomas, LB Zach Thomas, and coach Don Coryell. Of the nine inductees this year, Revis and Thomas were the only two elected in their first year of eligibility.

19. NFL Fan of the Year

Larry Bevans grew up in a house full of San Francisco 49ers’ fans – but not him. Being the youngest of his siblings, he decided to go against his family’s norm and became a fan of the Seattle Seahawks. That fandom quickly turned into a passion and by 2009, he became a season ticket holder for the first time.

Bevans has been a season ticket holder ever since. He takes it upon himself to give back to his community, travels from across the country just to root the Seahawks on every week, and is a passionate foster parent that deserves the recognition he received as the one-and-only 2023 NFL Fan of the Year. 

18. Next Gen Stats Moment of the Year

The Minnesota Vikings matched up against the Buffalo Bills during Week 10 of the regular season. The Vikings were 7-1 entering the game, while the Bills were 6-2 – it was a big game for both teams and it didn’t disappoint. With two minutes left in the fourth quarter, things started to get real interesting. 

The Bills were up 27-23, but Minnesota was driving. They needed a touchdown, which means they needed a big play – and they got one. Kirk Cousins threw the ball up and Justin Jefferson brought it down for 32 yards. They went on to score a TD and ended up winning the game 33-30 in overtime. 

17. Art Rooney Award

The Art Rooney Award is an award handed out annually to a player that exemplifies sportsmanship on the football field. It was first introduced in 2014 with Larry Fitzgerald winning it and has been given to some very special players – including Frank Gore (2016), Luke Kuechly (2017), and Drew Brees (2018).

The 2022 winner is Calais Campbell – defensive end for the Baltimore Ravens. He’s one of the NFL’s most respected players, not just by fans, but by coaches, players, front office members, and league executives. He’s always looking to make a difference in his community and is as selfless as they come.

16. Jim Brown Award

The Jim Brown Award is an award handed out to the running back who led the league in rushing for that given season. It’s a new award that has never been handed out before this year – if it were, it would’ve gone to Jonathan Taylor in 2021, Derrick Henry in 2020 and 2019, and Ezekiel Elliott in 2018.

In 2022, the award was given to Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders, who rushed for a total of 1,653 yards in 17 games – nearly averaging 100 yards per game and setting a new career-high by 503 yards. He beat out Derrick Henry by 115 yards, Nick Chubb by 128 yards, and Saquon Barkley by 341 yards. 

15. Deacon Jones Award

The Deacon Jones Award is an annual award handed out to the league leader in sacks for that given season. It was first introduced in 2013, with Robert Mathis winning the inaugural award. Other winners include J.J. Watt, Aaron Donald, Shaquil Barrett, Chandler Jones, and T.J. Watt (twice in a row). 

This year’s winner was Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers, who led the NFL with 18.5 sacks in 16 games –  a new career-high after having 15.5 sacks in 2021. He beat Haason Reddick with 16.0 sacks, Myles Garrett with 16.0 sacks, Chris Jones with 15.5 sacks, and Matthew Judon with 15.5 sacks. 

14. Bud Light Celly of the Year

One of the best things about scoring a touchdown, forcing a turnover, getting a sack, or making any big play in the NFL today is getting to strut your stuff with an entertaining celebration. Also known as the ‘celly,’ the celebration has taken on a new meaning in recent years, which is why there’s an award for it.

The winner of the Bud Light Celly of the Year was the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense, who performed a ‘rollercoaster’ celebration after picking off Ravens’ quarterback Anthony Brown in the first quarter of their Week 18 matchup. Last year’s award went to Christian Wilkins for doing the worm after a TD catch. 

13. FedEx Ground Player of the Year

The FedEx Ground Player of the Year is an annual award that is handed out to the league’s most impressive rusher – voted by the fans. It was first awarded in 2003 with past winners including Jonathan Taylor (2021), Derrick Henry (2020, 2019), Saquon Barkley (2018), and Todd Gurley (2017).

To no one’s surprise, the award went to Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders – who was also the winner of the Jim Brown Award. His 1,653 yards led the league, but he also ran for 12 touchdowns – tying a career-high for him. Derrick Henry and Nick Chubb were the two other finalists for the award this year.

12. FedEx Air Player of the Year

The FedEx Air Player of the Year is an annual award that is handed out to the league’s most impressive passer – voted on by fans. It was first awarded in 2003 with past winners including Tom Brady (2021), Aaron Rodgers (2020), Lamar Jackson (2019), Patrick Mahomes (2018), and Carson Wentz (2017).

This year’s winner was Patrick Mahomes, who won the award for the second time in his career. He led the league with 5,250 yards – which was nearly 500 yards more than the next closest (Justin Herbert) – and also led the league with 41 passing touchdowns – six more than Joe Burrow and Josh Allen.

11. Salute to Service Award

The Salute to Service Award is an annual award that first debuted 12 seasons ago. According to the NFL, the award ‘acknowledges the exceptional efforts by members of the NFL community to honor and support U.S. service members, veterans and their families.’ Every team in the NFL gets to award a nominee. 

Handed out by the NFL and USAA, the 2022 Salute to Service Award winner was Ron Rivera – head coach of the Washington Commanders. Week-in and week-out, coach Rivera sets the standard for military appreciation and is dedicated to helping the community support those that fight for their country.

10. Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year

The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year is an annual award that has been handed out since 1970 – it was renamed in 1999 to honor the great Walter Payton. According to the NFL, it ‘recognizes an NFL player for his excellence on and off the field’ and is often awarded to a player deeply respected by the league. 

Every team in the NFL gets to nominate a player (32 players in total) who are then voted on by a panel of judges – including past winners, former players, the Commissioner, and more. This year’s winner was Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys – joining Andrew Whitworth, who won the award last season.

9. AP Comeback Player of the Year

The AP Comeback Player of the Year is an annual award handed out by the Associated Press. It normally recognizes a player that missed all or most of the previous season due to injury – or being a backup. In some rare scenarios, it might be awarded to someone who played poorly the year prior, but it depends.

This year’s winner was Geno Smith – who hasn’t spent a full season as a starting quarterback since 2014. Despite only having 5 starts in the NFL since that season, he started all 17 games for the Seattle Seahawks and led them to the playoffs – he also led the NFL in completion percentage among QBs. 

8. AP Defensive Rookie of the Year

The AP Defensive Rookie of the Year is an annual award handed out by the Associated Press that recognizes the league’s most impressive rookie on the defensive side of the ball. It has been awarded since 1967 – past winners include Micah Parsons, Chase Young, Nick Bosa, and Shaquille Leonard

This year’s winner was cornerback Sauce Gardner of the New York Jets. He started all 17 games for the Jets and had 75 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, and led the league with 20 passes defensed. Opposing quarterbacks were scared to throw the ball his way because he’s just that good. 

7. AP Offensive Rookie of the Year

The AP Offensive Rookie of the Year is an annual award handed out by the Associated Press that recognizes the NFL’s most impressive rookie on the offensive side of the ball. It has been awarded since 1957 – past winners include Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Herbert, Kyler Murray, and Saquon Barkley

This year’s winner was wide receiver Garrett Wilson of the New York Jets – joining his teammate, Sauce. He started all 17 games for the Jets and finished the season with 83 catches on 147 targets for 1,103 yards and 4 touchdowns – with questionable quarterback play. Get him a good QB and he’ll do better. 

6. Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year

The Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year is an annual award that has been handed out since 2002. A player is awarded Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week each week of the regular season. At the end of the year, several finalists are chosen, depending on who has the most Rookie of the Week wins throughout the season. 

This year’s finalists were Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson, Aidan Hutchinson, Kenneth Walker, Chris Olave, and Tariq Woolen. Many people were pulling for Walker or Woolen to win it, but it was Hutchinson who pulled away the winner. He finished the season with 52 tackles, 9.5 sacks, and 9 tackles for loss. 

5. AP Defensive Player of the Year

The AP Defensive Player of the Year is an annual award handed out since 1971 and recognizes the league’s most impressive defensive player – as voted on by the Associated Press. Past winners include T.J. Watt, Aaron Donald (three times), Stephon Gilmore, Khalil Mack, and J.J. Watt (three times). 

This year’s finalists were Nick Bosa of the 49ers, Micah Parsons of the Cowboys, and Chris Jones of the Chiefs. The winner was Bosa, who not only led the league with 18.5 sacks, but also added 51 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 48 quarterback hits, and one pass defensed in 16 games played. He was dominant. 

4. AP Offensive Player of the Year

The AP Offensive Player of the Year is an annual award handed out since 1972 and recognizes the NFL’s most impressive offensive player – as voted on by the Associated Press. Past winners of the award are Cooper Kupp, Derrick Henry, Michael Thomas, Patrick Mahomes, Todd Gurley, and Matt Ryan.

This year’s finalists were Jalen Hurts of the Eagles, Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs, Justin Jefferson of the Vikings, and Tyreek Hill of the Dolphins. Jefferson was a clear winner here, leading the league with 128 receptions and 1,809 yards – he added 8 touchdowns. He’s no doubt the No. 1 receiver in the NFL.

3. AP Assistant Coach of the Year

The AP Assistant Coach of the Year is an annual award handed out since 2014 and recognizes the NFL’s best assistant coach – usually given to an offensive or defensive coordinator, voted on by the Associated Press. Past winners include Dan Quinn, Brian Daboll, Greg Roman, Vic Flangio, and Pat Shurmur.

This year’s finalists include DC DeMeco Ryans of the 49ers, OC Shane Steichen of the Eagles, and OC Ben Johnson of the Lions. Ryans ended up being selected as the winner – he was listed on 48 of the 50 ballots and received 35 first place votes. His 49ers’ defense led the league in points and yards allowed.

2. AP Coach of the Year

The AP Coach of the Year is an annual award handed out since 1957 and recognizes the league’s best head coach – usually given to the coach of a team that either exceeds expectations or has a near-perfect record. Past winners are Mike Vrabel, Kevin Stefanski, John Harbaugh, Matt Nagy, and Sean McVay.

This year’s finalists were Kyle Shanahan of the 49ers, Doug Pederson of the Jaguars, and Brian Daboll of the Giants. Daboll won it after leading the Giants to a 9-7-1 record in his first year as head coach – they made the playoffs. He won the Assistant Coach of the Year award in 2020 with the Bills. 

1. AP Most Valuable Player

The AP Most Valuable Player (MVP) is an annual award handed out since 1957 and recognizes the NFL’s most impressive player – period. With Patrick Mahomes winning it for the second time in his career, a quarterback has now won it each year for the past 10 seasons – Peyton Manning won it a total 5 times. 

Mahomes finished the season with 5,250 passing yards, 41 passing touchdowns, and 12 interceptions – adding 358 rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns. He led his team to a 14-3-0 record, tying a career-high for most wins in a season, and ended up winning a title. He also won the award in 2018. 

Other Notable Moments During the 2023 NFL Honors

The 2023 NFL Honors had no shortage of memorable moments. Kelly Clarkson did an incredible job as the host and had a hilarious opening monologue that lasted roughly six minutes. She called Joe Burrow a TikTok rapper and was equipped with countless jokes about her favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys.

There was also a point where Kirk Cousins and Kelly Clarkson sang a tribute song to Tom Brady, who announced his retirement recently (again) – and, yes, they song was played to the beat of Clarkson’s hit song ‘Since U Been Gone.’ Then, George Kittle chimed in with some lyrics for his 49ers’ teammates. 

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The 2023 NFL Honors didn’t disappoint and it was followed by an incredible Super Bowl LVII a few days later. The Kansas City Chiefs won their second Super Bowl in four years in a 38-35 thriller over the Philadelphia Eagles – Patrick Mahomes ended up winning his second Super Bowl MVP in the process.

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