The New England Patriots have seen an impressive turnaround this season under the leadership of head coach Mike Vrabel. After a dismal 4-13 record last season, they’ve turned it around. With the guidance of Mike Vrabel, the team reached an astonishing 14-3 record. This earned them a place in the Super Bowl LX as well. This accomplishment of Vrabel has increased his reputation as one of the top coaches in the NFL.
In 2021, while coaching the Tennessee Titans, Vrabel also won the NFL Coach of the Year Award. This year, he was unable to attend the ceremony to receive the accolade personally. In a pre-recorded video message, he expressed his gratitude. He stated, “It’s an honor to be recognized among the great coaches of our league. Ultimately, my name goes on this award, but this name belongs to a building, it belongs to a staff, and ultimately belongs to the men in the locker room who believed when they couldn’t always see it, and bought in when it wasn’t always easy.”
For the NFL Coach of the Year Award, he received 19 first place voltes and outperformed other candidates, including Liam Coen of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who finished second with 16.
Further in the NFL honors ceremony, defensive end Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns won the Defensive Player of the Year award for the second time. He made history by becoming a unanimous selection this year. This season, he was a revelation and achieved 23 sacks throughout the season. This performance has put him in the position to enter the all-time top five in career sacks.
Here is what Garrett said after getting the award. “Based on the season I had, I was hoping it was unanimous.”
The next award of Offensive Rookie of the Year was won by Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. He had an impressive season that included over 1000 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He received 41 of 50 first-place votes for the award. He was overwhelmed by the result and acknowledged the support of his team.
The NFL added a new category called Protector of the Year to recognize the unsung heroes of the offense. Chicago Bears guard Joe Thuney was awarded this honor.
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey was awarded the Comeback Player of the Year award. He faced a challenge in the last season due to injuries. This year, he had an outstanding comeback and amassed over 2100 yards from scrimmage and 17 touchdowns.
Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger was awarded the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. He made a significant impact with 157 tackles and two interceptions in his debut season. The Offensive Player of the Year was won by Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba on the back of his impressive performance. He covered 1800 receiving yards in the season.