HOUSTON — Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott won a two-man race with teammate and running back Ezekiel Elliott on Saturday night to take The Associated Press’ 2016 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
The Cowboys’ fourth-round draft pick stepped in when quarterback Tony Romo was injured in the preseason and led Dallas to a 13-3 record, best in the NFC. He received plenty of help from his running back, Elliott, the fourth overall selection.
Prescott brought Elliott onstage to share the moment.
“He deserves it just as much as I do from his yards, his catches,” Prescott said. “The way we handled things in the backfield is always together.”
Prescott received 28½ votes from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league. The other 21½ went to Elliott, who rushed for a league-high 1,631 yards and scored 15 times. Prescott ranked third in passing behind the two Super Bowl quarterbacks, throwing for 23 touchdowns with four interceptions.
Prescott is the first Cowboy since Emmitt Smith in 1990 to earn the honor. Tony Dorsett, Duane Thomas, and Calvin Hill also won it for Dallas.
On Friday, Prescott was named the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year. Fan voting determined that honor. He beat out Elliott, San Diego Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa, Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion James, and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz for the award.
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.
Matt Ryan also was a big winner.
The Atlanta Falcons quarterback was voted The Associated Press 2016 NFL’s Most Valuable Player and top offensive player. Dallas’ Jason Garrett was selected Coach of the Year by a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league.
On the eve of the Super Bowl in which he will face off with two-time league MVP Tom Brady, who finished second in this year’s balloting, Ryan easily outdistanced Brady 25-10 for MVP. He beat Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers 15½ to 11 for Offensive Player of the Year.
Ryan, of course, was not on hand at the “NFL Honors” TV show. But in a taped acceptance speech, he said:
“I just want to say thank you. This is an incredible honor for me. Obviously, there are so many other great candidates and players who had amazing seasons.
“I want to thank all my teammates. Obviously, without them, none of this is possible. We’ve had so many guys on our team make great plays and have great seasons for us, so thank you to those guys.”
Garrett drew 25 votes for best coach, beating out New England’s Bill Belichick (14).
“This is an extension of our football team and I really accept it on their behalf,” said Garrett, who took over as Dallas coach in 2010. “I coach with some really great guys and I’m really fortunate to coach with so many great players that go about it the right way, and it’s really just an extension of that. It’s a team award.”
Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, apparently headed to San Francisco after the Super Bowl to be head coach of the 49ers, took the assistant coaching award.
Packers receiver Jordy Nelson , returning from a devastating knee injury, was selected Comeback Player of the Year.
Oakland edge rusher Khalil Mack slipped past 2016 Super Bowl MVP linebacker Von Miller for Defensive Player of the Year, 18-17.
San Diego lineman Joey Bosa won top defensive rookie honors in a landslide.
“I don’t really set goals like this for myself very often, awards,” said Bosa, who missed the first four games after a holdout. “But I definitely wanted this one. I’m really happy I got it done.”
Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Giants quarterback Eli Manning shared the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
“Quite simply this is the most meaningful honor an NFL player can receive, and I am flattered beyond words that the selection committee deemed me worthy of it,” Fitzgerald said. “More than anything it is a reflection on my parents whose words and example taught my brother and me the value of service and the importance of giving back.”
Manning called it “an honor to be mentioned in the same breath with Walter Payton.”
“None of us do what we do on behalf of charity or in our communities to get recognized,” Manning added. “We do it because we truly care. You want to make a difference in people’s lives and in our communities. But to be recognized and know that people do notice your work is nice.”
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.