The field of sports is one such domain where every year at the end of the season, teams and individual athletes are awarded for their excellence. Now, these awards are just a part and parcel of the game and are recognized in good faith even though they are not the ultimate desire of any professional athlete.
Everyone loves to be recognized for the work they have put in and it is no different for NFL players also. While the professional athletes in the league have their eyes set on the Lombardi Trophy every new season, these year-end awards still provide a sense of comfort knowing that you have given it your best shot. And if the team or player has also won the Super Bowl, then this is just the icing on the cake.
The NFL has a long-standing history with respect to handing out awards to players, teams, and even coaches. Throughout the years these awards have undergone some name changes and sponsorship changes, but what remains the same are the categories which they represent.
This NFL also prides itself in placing a great deal of importance on recognizing brilliance in all areas of the game which includes the offense, defense, humanitarian grounds, coaching, etc.
List of NFL awards
Team awards
| Vince Lombardi Trophy | Awarded annually to the Super Bowl-winning team |
| Lamar Hunt Trophy | Awarded annually to the AFC Champion |
| George Halas Trophy | Awarded annually to the NFC Champion |
| All-Pro Team | Several media personalities select an honorary All-Pro Team for each position annually after the season is over |
| All-Rookie Team | Top rookies at each position honored annually by the Pro Football Writers Association which selects the All-Rookie Team |
| GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Year | Awarded annually to the best moment or play of the year |
Individual awards
| Super Bowl MVP | Awarded annually to the most valuable player of the Super Bowl |
| AP NFL Most Valuable Player | Awarded annually by the Associated Press to the most valuable player of the regular season |
| AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year | Awarded annually by Associated Press to the player considered as the top offensive player in the regular season |
| AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year | Awarded annually by Associated Press to the player considered as the top defensive player in the regular season |
| AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award | Awarded annually by Associated Press to the player considered the top offensive first-year player in the regular season |
| AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award | Awarded annually by Associated Press to the player considered the top defensive first-year player in the regular season |
| Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year Award | Awarded annually by Pepsi to the top rookie of the year in the regular season |
| AP Coach of the Year Award | Awarded annually by the Associated Press to the coach that had the most outstanding season |
| AP Assistant Coach of the Year Award | Awarded annually by the Associated Press to the top assistant coach in the NFL |
| AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award | Awarded annually by Associated Press. Selection criteria are not precise, but generally given to a player who could not play in the previous season and showed great perseverance upon his return |
| Deacon Jones Award | Awarded annually to the player with the most sacks in a regular season |
| Pro Bowl | |
| NFL.com Fantasy Player of the Year Award | Awarded annually to the player that had the biggest impact on fantasy games with his stats |
| Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award | Awarded annually to the player that showed dedication to philanthropy and had a strong impact on the community as well as excellence on the field |
| NFLPA Alan Page Community Award | Awarded annually to the player that extends significant support for the community in his hometown or team city |
| Art Rooney Award | Awarded annually to the player who shows outstanding sportsmanship qualities while on the field |
| Bart Starr Award | Awarded annually to the player who best showcases character and leadership in the home, on the field, and in the community |
| FedEX Air & Ground NFL Players of the Year | Awarded annually to one quarterback (Air player) and one running back (Ground player) who have had exemplary individual statistical performances week in and week out of the regular season |
| Bridgestone Performance Play of the Year | Awarded annually for the NFL’s play of the year |
| Salute to Service Award | Awarded annually for exceptional efforts by members of the NFL community to honor and support U.S. service members, veterans, and their families |
| Sporting News NFL Executive of the Year Award | Awarded annually to an NFL executive who has done an excellent job in building a winning team |
FAQs
A. NFL players and coaches receive awards at the end of the year for their excellence on and off the field.
Awards such as the Most Valuable Player, Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year, and Coach of the Year are some of the most important NFL awards.
A. Without a doubt, the Vince Lombardi Trophy which is given to the Super Bowl-winning team is the greatest award in the NFL.
A. The Walter Payton Man of the Year award is given to the player who shows excellence on and off the field particularly in philanthropic and community work.
A. Most of the important awards in the NFL are decided by the Associated Press (AP).
