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 KellyClarkson, who became the first woman to ever host it – previous hosts include Keegan-Michael Key (2022, 2017), SteveHarvey (2019-2021), RobRiggle (2018), ConanO’Brien (2016), SethMeyers (2015), and AlecBaldwin (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.
Before we get into the awards at the 2023 NFL Honors, I want to first highlight one of the biggest winners of the night – DamarHamlin. 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!
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 TonyBoselli, WR CliffBranch, S LeRoyButler, DL BryantYoung, LB SamMills, DL RichardSeymour, coach DickVermeil, and official ArtMcNally.
This year, the Class of 2023 included the likes of DB RondeBarber, LB ChuckHowley, DL JoeKlecko, CB DarrelleRevis, CB KenRiley, OT JoeThomas, LB ZachThomas, and coach DonCoryell. Of the nine inductees this year, Revis and Thomas were the only two elected in their first year of eligibility.
LarryBevans 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.
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. KirkCousins threw the ball up and JustinJefferson brought it down for 32 yards. They went on to score a TD and ended up winning the game 33-30 in overtime.
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 LarryFitzgerald winning it and has been given to some very special players – including FrankGore (2016), LukeKuechly (2017), and DrewBrees (2018).
The 2022 winner is CalaisCampbell – 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
A true honor. @iAM_JoshJacobs is the inaugural Jim Brown Award recipient 🙌
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 JonathanTaylor in 2021, DerrickHenry in 2020 and 2019, and EzekielElliott in 2018.
In 2022, the award was given to JoshJacobs 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 DerrickHenry by 115 yards, NickChubb by 128 yards, and SaquonBarkley by 341 yards.
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 RobertMathis winning the inaugural award. Other winners include J.J. Watt, AaronDonald, ShaquilBarrett, ChandlerJones, and T.J. Watt (twice in a row).
This year’s winner was NickBosa 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 HaasonReddick with 16.0 sacks, MylesGarrett with 16.0 sacks, ChrisJones with 15.5 sacks, and MatthewJudon with 15.5 sacks.
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 AnthonyBrown in the first quarter of their Week 18 matchup. Last year’s award went to ChristianWilkins for doing the worm after a TD catch.
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 JonathanTaylor (2021), DerrickHenry (2020, 2019), SaquonBarkley (2018), and ToddGurley (2017).
To no one’s surprise, the award went to JoshJacobs 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. DerrickHenry and NickChubb were the two other finalists for the award this 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 TomBrady (2021), AaronRodgers (2020), LamarJackson (2019), PatrickMahomes (2018), and CarsonWentz (2017).
This year’s winner was PatrickMahomes, 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 (JustinHerbert) – and also led the league with 41 passing touchdowns – six more than JoeBurrow and JoshAllen.
11. Salute to Service Award
.@Commanders head coach Ron Rivera wins the Salute to Service Award. @USAA
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 RonRivera – 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
"We're all blessed with the obligation to make an impact on our communities and to love our neighbors."
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 WalterPayton. 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 DakPrescott of the Dallas Cowboys – joining AndrewWhitworth, who won the award last season.
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 GenoSmith – 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.
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 MicahParsons, ChaseYoung, NickBosa, and ShaquilleLeonard.
This year’s winner was cornerback SauceGardner 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.
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’MarrChase, JustinHerbert, KylerMurray, and SaquonBarkley.
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.
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 SauceGardner, GarrettWilson, AidanHutchinson, KennethWalker, ChrisOlave, and TariqWoolen. 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.
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, AaronDonald (three times), StephonGilmore, KhalilMack, and J.J. Watt (three times).
This year’s finalists were NickBosa of the 49ers, MicahParsons of the Cowboys, and ChrisJones 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.
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 CooperKupp, DerrickHenry, MichaelThomas, PatrickMahomes, ToddGurley, and MattRyan.
This year’s finalists were JalenHurts of the Eagles, PatrickMahomes of the Chiefs, JustinJefferson of the Vikings, and TyreekHill 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.
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 DanQuinn, BrianDaboll, GregRoman, VicFlangio, and PatShurmur.
This year’s finalists include DC DeMecoRyans of the 49ers, OC ShaneSteichen of the Eagles, and OC BenJohnson 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.
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 MikeVrabel, KevinStefanski, JohnHarbaugh, MattNagy, and SeanMcVay.
This year’s finalists were KyleShanahan of the 49ers, DougPederson of the Jaguars, and BrianDaboll 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.
The AP Most Valuable Player (MVP) is an annual award handed out since 1957 and recognizes the NFL’s most impressive player – period. With PatrickMahomes winning it for the second time in his career, a quarterback has now won it each year for the past 10 seasons – PeytonManning 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. KellyClarkson did an incredible job as the host and had a hilarious opening monologue that lasted roughly six minutes. She called JoeBurrow a TikTok rapper and was equipped with countless jokes about her favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys.
There was also a point where KirkCousins 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, GeorgeKittle chimed in with some lyrics for his 49ers’ teammates.
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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