Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was named the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year, Pepsi and the NFL announced Friday, as determined by fan voting.
Prescott, a former standout at Mississippi State, led Dallas to a 13-3 record and the NFC’s No. 1 seed in the regular season. He completed 67.8 percent of his passes and threw for 3,667 yards and 23 touchdowns (four interceptions).
Prescott beat out Dallas running back Ezekiel Elliott, San Diego Charges defensive end Joey Bosa, Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion James, and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz for the award.
Prescott will be one of the top contenders for The Associated Press’ Rookie of the Year award, which will be announced Saturday night at the NFL Honors show. WLOV (Fox) will broadcast the show live.
Prescott became the highest drafted MSU quarterback in modern NFL draft history when Dallas selected him in the fourth round (135th overall pick). Prescott earned two academic degrees at MSU, and left the school as its most decorated player. He shattered 38 school records and led the Bulldogs to their first No. 1 national ranking. He is the first Bulldog drafted to play quarterback in the NFL since Dave Marler went in the 10th round to the Buffalo Bills in 1979. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected former MSU quarterback Don Smith to play running back in 1987.
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