Rodgers wins third MVP award

A pair of Aarons pulled off an NFL hat trick Saturday night.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers earned his third Associated Press Most Valuable Player award, while Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald took his third top defensive player prize at NFL Honors. Also taking home awards were two members of the Washington Football Team: quarterback Alex Smith was the Comeback Player of the Year in one of the most inspirational stories of 2020, and edge rusher Chase Young got the top defensive rookie.

Titans 2,000yard rusher Derrick Henry won Offensive Player of the Year, and the offensive rookie honor went to Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. Cleveland’s Kevin Stefanski was the Coach of the Year, and Buffalo offensive coordinator Brian Daboll earned assistant coach honors.

Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award for his work in the community.

Rodgers had perhaps the best season of his 16year career, leading Green Bay to a 133 regular season, the NFC’s best mark. Just a few months after questions arose about his comfort level with the Packers, Rodgers, who turned 37 in December, tore up the NFL.

Rodgers topped the league with 48 touchdown passes, a 70.7% completion rate and a 121.5 rating. He threw just five interceptions.

“It is really special to have won it in my fourth year as a starter and now to win it in my 13th year as a starter in a new offense is pretty amazing and something I am very proud of,” Rodgers said. “To have sustained success and be able to play your best football at 37 in my 16th season is something I take a lot of pride in.”

Donald, the Los Angeles Rams’ unanimous AllPro, added the 2020 top defensive player honor to his wins in 2017 and 2018. Only Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor (1981, ’82, ’86) and Houston edge rusher J.J. Watt (2012, ’14, ’15) have earned the award three times.

The 36yearold Smith completed a remarkable comeback from a broken right leg that required 17 surgeries to repair. The ex49er stepped in to start eight games before a strained right calf in the same leg sidelined him for the postseason spot he helped the team secure.