M.V.P. - Tom Brady, QB, Patriots.

Let's see... He broke the league record for touchdown passes (50), led his team to an unparalleled record (18-0) and commanded the greatest offense in NFL history. Oh, and according to Emmitt Smith, Tom Brady can throw.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers
2005: Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
2004: Michael Vick, QB, Falcons
2003: Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
2002: Michael Vick, QB, Falcons
2001: Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
2000: Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles


Quarterback of the Year - Tom Brady, Patriots.

I considered Trent Dilfer and Vinny Testaverde, but Tom Brady just managed to edge them out for this award. Amazingly though, Brady has won the MVP four times now on this awards page, yet this is only the first instance he's been named the Quarterback of the Year. Guess Randy Moss had something to do with that, huh?

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Drew Brees, Saints
2005: Carson Palmer, Bengals
2004: Peyton Manning, Colts
2003: Peyton Manning, Colts
2002: Rich Gannon, Raiders
2001: Kurt Warner, Rams
2000: Peyton Manning, Colts


Running Back of the Year - Brian Westbrook, Eagles.

Easy choice between Brian Westbrook and LaDainian Tomlinson. While Tomlinson sat silently on the sidelines with his Darth Vader mask on during the AFC Championship, Brian Westbrook, a team player, took a knee at the 1 so the Eagles could run out the clock. Look, I'm not saying the New LT wasn't hurt, but he could have cheered on his team at the very least.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers
2005: Larry Johnson, Chiefs
2004: Curtis Martin, Jets
2003: LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers
2002: Priest Holmes, Chiefs
2001: Marshall Faulk, Rams
2000: Marshall Faulk, Rams


Wide Receiver of the Year - Randy Moss, Patriots.

All Randy Moss did this past year was positively transform his image, break the receiving touchdowns record (23) and help a squad achieve an 18-0 record. Other than that, Moss' year sucked.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Marvin Harrison, Colts
2005: Steve Smith, Panthers
2004: Muhsin Muhammad, Panthers
2003: Randy Moss, Vikings
2002: Marvin Harrison, Colts
2001: Terrell Owens, 49ers
2000: Randy Moss, Vikings


Tight End of the Year - Jason Witten, Cowboys.

Tony Gonzalez had a great season with 99 receptions and 1,172 yards. Kellen Winslow Jr. also had a solid campaign (82 catches, 1,106 yards). But Jason Witten had stats comparable to Gonzalez's (96 receptions, 1,147 yards) and helped the Cowboys look invincible until Tony Romo started dating a succubus.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Antonio Gates, Chargers
2005: Antonio Gates, Chargers
2004: Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs
2003: Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs
2002: Todd Heap, Ravens
2001: Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs
2000: Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs


Offensive Tackle of the Year - Matt Light, Patriots.

The right side of New England's offensive line spontaneously combusted in the Super Bowl, but left tackle Matt Light was a major reason why Tom Brady usually had all the time in the world to locate Randy Moss, Wes Welker and the rest of his arsenal downfield throughout the 2007 campaign.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Tarik Glenn, Colts
2005: Walter Jones, Seahawks
2004: Walter Jones, Seahawks
2003: Jonathan Ogden, Ravens
2002: Willie Roaf, Chiefs
2001: Orlando Pace, Rams
2000: Jonathan Ogden, Ravens


Offensive Guard of the Year - Steve Hutchinson, Vikings.

Steve Hutchinson was whistled for a penalty in Week 2 against the Lions in overtime. Why is this important? It was Hutchinson's first penalty since November 2004! Comparing the rushing attacks of Seattle and Minnesota, it's evident how important an incredible interior lineman is to an offense. Just ask Adrian Peterson to name a major reason for his breaking Jamal Lewis' single-game rushing record against the Chargers.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Steve Hutchinson, Vikings
2005: Alan Faneca, Steelers
2004: Alan Faneca, Steelers
2003: Will Shields, Chiefs
2002: Ron Stone, 49ers
2001: Alan Faneca, Steelers
2000: Randall McDaniel, Buccaneers


Center of the Year - Jeff Saturday, Colts.

And on the subject of asking people stuff, go to Peyton Manning while he's shooting another one of his commercials, and ask him what Jeff Saturday means to him. Saturday's never won the Center of the Year award on this site, so he's undoubtedly shedding tears of joy right now.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Olin Kreutz, Bears
2005: Jeff Hartings, Steelers
2004: Kevin Mawae, Jets
2003: Kevin Mawae, Jets
2002: Kevin Mawae, Jets
2001: Olin Kreutz, Bears
2000: Tom Nalen, Broncos




Defensive End of the Year - Jared Allen, Chiefs.

Jared Allen is the second consecutive player to lead the league in sacks (15.5) despite missing at least two games. Shawne Merriman did it last year. How do these guys do it?

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Jason Taylor, Dolphins
2005: Dwight Freeney, Colts
2004: Julius Peppers, Panthers
2003: Michael Strahan, Giants
2002: Jason Taylor, Dolphins
2001: Michael Strahan, Giants
2000: Jason Taylor, Dolphins


Defensive Tackle of the Year - Albert Haynesworth, Titans.

I'm stealing this from my 2008 NFL Free Agency - Defensive Tackle page, but in the three contests Albert "The Hamstring" Haynesworth missed, Tennessee surrendered 31.7 points per game. Their season average was 18.6. Haynesworth was incredibly dominant, almost single-handedly carrying the Titans into the playoffs.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Tommie Harris, Bears
2005: Casey Hampton, Steelers
2004: Jamal Williams, Chargers
2003: Kris Jenkins, Panthers
2002: Warren Sapp, Buccaneers
2001: Warren Sapp, Buccaneers
2000: Warren Sapp, Buccaneers


Outside Linebacker of the Year - DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys.

Close call between DeMarcus Ware and Julian Peterson, but I'm giving this award to the former, who had 14 sacks and 84 tackles. He was another Cowboy largely responsible for his team's hot start, which culminated in Jessica Simpson lowering Tony Romo's IQ to the point where he didn't know what color jersey he was supposed to throw to in what Emmitt Smith would call the "Doggone playoff."

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Shawne Merriman, Chargers
2005: Cato June, Colts
2004: Takeo Spikes, Bills
2003: Keith Bulluck, Titans
2002: Derrick Brooks, Buccaneers
2001: Jamir Miller, Browns
2000: Derrick Brooks, Buccaneers


Inside Linebacker of the Year - Lofa Tatupu, Seahawks.

Talk about a stat-sheet stuffer. Lofa Tatupu had 109 tackles, four interceptions, three forced fumbles and nine pass deflections. Remember that game against the Eagles when Tatupu picked Adam Joshua Feeley off thrice? One of the most dominating performances I've ever seen. Mike Holmgren agreed: "It was one of the greatest games I have ever seen a linebacker play." And to think I called Seattle taking Tatupu a reach in the 2005 NFL Draft. Me stoopid!

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Brian Urlacher, Bears
2005: Brian Urlacher, Bears
2004: Tedy Bruschi, Patriots
2003: Ray Lewis, Ravens
2002: Zach Thomas, Dolphins
2001: Brian Urlacher, Bears
2000: Ray Lewis, Ravens


Cornerback of the Year - Antonio Cromartie, Chargers.

I know I'm probably not supposed to give the Cornerback of the YEAR award to a guy who started only eight regular season games, but Antonio Cromartie made such a huge difference during the second half of the campaign that I almost have to. Cromartie, who led the league in 10 picks, notched two interceptions in the "Doggone Playoff" and seemingly became a shutdown corner overnight.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Champ Bailey, Broncos
2005: Champ Bailey, Broncos
2004: Nate Clements, Bills
2003: Ty Law, Patriots
2002: Bobby Taylor, Eagles
2001: Aeneas Williams, Rams
2000: Samari Rolle, Titans


Free Safety of the Year - Sean Taylor, Redskins.

There's nothing more disheartening than seeing a good, talented person die at a young age. Of course I didn't know Sean personally, but you can tell that he was a quality guy just by the way his team reacted to his death. Rest in peace, Sean.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Brian Dawkins, Eagles
2005: Bob Sanders, Colts
2004: Brian Dawkins, Eagles
2003: Roy Williams, Cowboys
2002: Rod Woodson, Raiders
2001: Brian Dawkins, Eagles
2000: Darren Sharper, Packers


Strong Safety of the Year - Bob Sanders, Colts.

If you get in Bob Sanders' way on the football field, he will eat your unborn grandchildren. He didn't win the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year award for nothing.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Troy Polamalu, Steelers
2005: Troy Polamalu, Steelers
2004: Ed Reed, Ravens
2003: Ed Reed, Ravens
2002: Lance Schulters, Titans
2001: Mike Brown, Bears
2000: John Lynch, Buccaneers


Kicker of the Year - Rob Bironas, Titans.

Eight field goals in one game? Sick. Going 4-of-5 from beyond 50 yards in a single season isn't too shabby either.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Adam Vinatieri, Colts
2005: Neil Rackers, Cardinals
2004: Adam Vinatieri, Patriots
2003: Mike Vanderjagt, Colts
2002: Adam Vinatieri, Patriots
2001: Adam Vinatieri, Patriots
2000: Matt Stover, Ravens


Special Teams Player of the Year - Devin Hester, Bears.

Don't kick it to Hester! Do I really need anything else written here?

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Devin Hester, Bears
2005: Jerome Mathis, Texans
2004: Eddie Drummond, Lions
2003: Dante Hall, Chiefs
2002: Michael Lewis, Saints
2001: Troy Brown, Patriots
2000: Derrick Mason, Titans


Offensive Rookie of the Year - Joe Thomas, OT, Browns.

The popular pick is Adrian Peterson, but Joe Thomas was a major reason why Jamal Lewis' career was revitalized (4.4 yards per carry; 1,304 yards) and Derek Anderson was sacked only 14 times. Thomas anchored Cleveland's offensive line, and unlike Peterson, Thomas played and started every single game.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Vince Young, QB, Titans
2005: Cadillac Williams, RB, Buccaneers
2004: Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers
2003: Anquan Boldin, WR, Cardinals
2002: Clinton Portis, RB, Broncos
2001: Anthony Thomas, RB, Bears
2000: Jamal Lewis, RB, Ravens


Defensive Rookie of the Year - Patrick Willis, ILB, 49ers.

Patrick Willis had an outstanding rookie campaign, but he really caught my eye when he somehow caught Cardinals receiver Sean Morey from behind in overtime in Week 12. Willis, who was out of the play when Morey initially caught the ball, outran the wide out, who had a clear shot at the end zone. Willis saved the game at that moment, as the 49ers scored on their ensuing possession. When I saw Willis make that tackle, it was the first time I thought, "Wow, this guy could be one of the best linebackers of all time." Willis finished with a league-high 174 tackles. The next closest player had 141.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Mark Anderson, DE, Bears
2005: Lofa Tatupu, ILB, Seahawks
2004: Jonathan Vilma, ILB, Jets
2003: Terence Newman, CB, Cowboys
2002: Dwight Freeney, DE, Colts
2001: Kendrell Bell, ILB, Steelers
2000: Corey Simon, DT, Eagles


Special Teams Rookie of the Year - Yamon Figurs, Ravens.

The lightning-quick Yamon Figurs had two returns as a rookie, and had higher punt- and kick-return averages than Randy Mueller's own Ted Ginn.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Devin Hester, Bears
2005: Jerome Mathis, Texans
2004: Wes Welker, Dolphins
2003: Bethel Johnson, Patriots
2002: Beer Man Lewis, Saints
2001: Steve Smith, Panthers
2000: Ron Dixon, Giants




Most Improved Offensive Player - Wes Welker, Patriots.

Just a hunch, but I think the Patriots knew what they were doing when they gave up a second-round pick for Wes Welker. I don't think anyone is surprised that Welker thrived with Tom Brady, but I don't think anyone expected him to lead the league in receptions and to become Brady's most trusted weapon in the postseason.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Ladell Betts, Redskins
2005: Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
2004: Drew Brees, Chargers
2003: Steve Smith, Panthers
2002: Koren Robinson, Seahawks
2001: Troy Brown, Patriots
2000: Jeff Garcia, 49ers


Most Improved Defensive Player - Mario Williams, Texans.

Everyone, including myself, called Mario Williams a bust after he registered just 4.5 sacks as a rookie. Perhaps that put a chip on his shoulder because his sack total skyrocketed to 14 in his sophomore campaign. Good for him - he probably would have had a nervous breakdown if he had another poor year.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Nnamdi Asomugha, Raiders
2005: Derrick Burgess, Raiders
2004: James Hall, Lions
2003: Brian Russell, Vikings
2002: Keith Bulluck, Titans
2001: Ahmed Plummer, 49ers
2000: La'Roi Glover, Saints


M.U.P. (Most Unimportant Player) - Michael Vick, Falcons.

Let's see... Get in trouble for alleged marijuana possession at the airport? Check. Kill innocent dogs by way of electrocution and drowning? Check. Lie to Roger Goodell? Check. Alienate more than half your fanbase? Check. Embarrass your franchise? Check. Force your team to trade the wrong quarterback? Check. Become the catalyst for the greedy, self-serving Bobby Petrino to bolt in the middle of the night? Check. Michael Vick's had an awesome year.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Randy Moss, Raiders
2005: Terrell Owens, Eagles
2004: Kevan Barlow, 49ers
2003: Keyshawn Johnson, Buccaneers
2002: Barrett Robbins, Raiders
2001: Randy Moss, Vikings
2000: Deion Sanders, Redskins


Comeback Player of the Year - Todd Collins, Redskins.

Once upon a time, Todd Collins was the heir apparent to Jim Kelly. Selected in the second round of the 1995 NFL Draft, Collins started 13 games in his third year. Little did he know his next start wouldn't come until 2007! Collins was great for the Redskins at the end of the season, as he completed 63.8 percent of his passes, and tossed five touchdowns to no picks, leading his team into the "Doggone Playoff."

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Jeff Garcia, Eagles
2005: Brad Johnson, Vikings
2004: Mark Fields, Panthers
2003: Marcus Robinson, Ravens
2002: Tommy Maddox, Steelers
2001: Garrison Hearst, 49ers


Blue Collar Player of the Year - Fred Taylor, Jaguars.

Fred Taylor could have quit on his team and demanded a trade when the Jaguars drafted Maurice Jones-Drew. Instead, he worked extra hard and has been among the league leaders ever since Jones-Drew joined the squad. I'm glad to see Taylor finally made the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Lorenzo Neal, Chargers
2005: Tedy Bruschi, Patriots
2004: Troy Brown, Patriots
2003: Brett Favre, Packers
2002: Hines Ward, Steelers
2001: Hines Ward, Steelers


Perseverance Award - Eli Manning, Giants.

My opinion of Eli Manning from the beginning of his career till December 2007 was that he was forced into the family business and would be happier doing something like stocking shelves at Wal-Mart. He was ridiculed by everyone, and to be fair, he deserved it. After all, he led the league in turnovers this season. However, Manning silenced all of his detractors by playing great in the playoffs and stunning an 18-0 Patriots squad in Super Bowl XLII.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Peyton Manning, Colts
2005: Cincinnati Bengals Fans
2004: John Fox, Panthers
2003: Donovan McNabb, Eagles


Celebration Award - Jerry Jones, Cowboys.

Did you see Jerry Jones' rapture after Nick Folk nailed the decisive kick against the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football? His face turned read and his head looked like it was going to explode. I was actually scared that he was going to have a heart attack or an aneurysm.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: None
2005: Chad Johnson, Bengals
2004: Terrell Owens, Eagles
2003: Joe Horn, Saints
2002: Terrell Owens, 49ers


"I Don't Belong in the NFL" Award - Randy Mueller, Dolphins.

"I Don't Belong in the NFL?" More like "I Don't Belong in the Same Room with Other Men." Randy Mueller is notorious for two things. First, he loves using phrases like "Good golly gosh darn," "Gee whiz" and "Geepers!" Second, he spent four months last offseason trying to acquire a 50-year-old fossilized quarterback coming off a concussion. He also spent the No. 9 overall selection on a punt returner, drafted what looks like the worst quarterbacking prospect the NFL has ever seen and assembled a team that would have gone winless if Brian Billick hadn't decided to lose intentionally.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Charley Casserly, Texans
2005: Charley Casserly, Texans
2004: John York, 49ers
2003: Steve Spurrier, Redskins
2002: Marty Mornhinweg, Lions
2001: Daniel Snyder, Redskins


Scrub of the Year - Brian Griese, Bears.

This award is for the player who was the Scrub of the Week the most times on my Power Rankings page. There were five players who were Scrub of the Week twice - Brian Griese, Santana Moss, Drew Brees, Eli Manning and Philip Rivers. Rivers is a jerk, but he improved a lot in November and December. Eli won a Super Bowl. Brees also picked it up when the weather got cold. Moss was hurt. That leaves us with Griese. I can't believe Bears fans thought he was the answer to their quarterbacking woes. A Chicago signal caller is this site's second consecutive Scrub of the Year!

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Rex Grossman, Bears
2005: J.P. Losman, Bills; Vinny Testaverde, Jets
2004: Mike Martz, Rams
2003: Joey Harrington, Lions; Jeff Garcia, 49ers; Drew Bledsoe, Bills
2002: Randy Moss, Vikings
2001: Elvis Grbac, Ravens




Stat-Stuffer of the Year - Tom Brady, Patriots.

This award is for the player who was listed first in his position the most times on my Power Rankings page. Duh, I wonder who that is. Randy Moss actually had competition in Terrell Owens. No quarterback had stats even close to Tom Brady's. Brady was Quarterback of the Week seven times.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers
2005: Larry Johnson, RB, Chiefs; LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers; Steve Smith, WR, Panthers
2004: Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
2003: Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
2002: Tom Brady, QB, Patriots; Priest Holmes, RB, Chiefs; Daunte Culpepper, QB, Vikings
2001: Marshall Faulk, RB, Rams


Coach of the Year - Bill Belichick, Patriots.

I don't care about the whole Spygate thing. In fact, I wouldn't even constitute that as cheating. Check out the early posts in my Super Bowl Picks Page to find out why I feel this way. Nevertheless, there's no denying Belichick did a masterful job this season, becoming the first coach to ever lead a squad to 18-0.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Bill Belichick, Patriots
2005: Lovie Smith, Bears
2004: Bill Cowher, Steelers
2003: Bill Parcells, Cowboys
2002: John Gruden, Buccaneers
2001: Bill Belichick, Patriots


Coordinator of the Year - Steve Spagnuolo, Giants.

All he did was shut down the greatest offense the NFL has ever seen, parlaying a Super Bowl victory into a huge contract. No biggie.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Rob Ryan, Raiders
2005: Dick LeBeau, Steelers
2004: Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel, Patriots
2003: Jim Johnson, Eagles
2002: Monte Kiffin, Buccaneers
2001: Mike Mularkey, Steelers


WalterFootball.com Award (Best Player) - Tom Brady, Patriots.

LaDainian Tomlinson, Brian Westbrook, Terrell Owens and Randy Moss are all more athletic, obviously, but before this season, people argued that Peyton Manning was better than Tom Brady because he was capable of putting up massive numbers. Brady toppled all of Manning's records, establishing himself as one of the top three signal callers of all time. Brady completed 70 percent of his passes and threw 50 touchdown passes.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers
2005: Larry Johnson, Chiefs
2004: Ed Reed, Ravens
2003: LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers
2002: Michael Vick, Falcons
2001: Marshall Faulk, Rams
2000: Marshall Faulk, Rams

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