The National Football League (NFL) recognizes outstanding rookie performances each year with the designation of Offensive Rookie of the Year. This accolade is determined by a national panel of sports media members, who evaluate the top newcomers in the league. Here’s a comprehensive list of the recent winners:
In 2024, Jayden Daniels, quarterback for Washington, earned the title, showcasing exceptional skill and leadership on the field. The previous year, 2023, saw C.J. Stroud of Houston also taking the honor, further proving his talent as a quarterback in the league.
The 2022 winner was Garrett Wilson, a wide receiver for the New York Jets, who made significant contributions to his team’s offense. The 2021 award went to Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals, also a standout wide receiver, known for his remarkable plays.
Justin Herbert, quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers, was recognized in 2020, demonstrating impressive talent as a newcomer to the NFL. Kyler Murray, who played for Arizona in 2019, also received this honor as a quarterback, further emphasizing the prowess of young quarterbacks in the league.
Saquon Barkley, a running back for the New York Giants, was named the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2018, followed by Alvin Kamara from New Orleans, who was awarded in 2017 for his dynamic play style.
Dak Prescott, quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, took home the award in 2016, while Todd Gurley, representing St. Louis, made a mark as a running back in 2015. In 2014, wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. from the New York Giants was acknowledged for his remarkable debut.
Continuing the tradition, Eddie Lacy, a running back for Green Bay, won in 2013, and Robert Griffin III of Washington followed in 2012, both making significant impacts during their rookie seasons.
Cam Newton, quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, was recognized in 2011, and Sam Bradford, playing for St. Louis, received the award in 2010. Percy Harvin, a multi-talented player from Minnesota, earned it in 2009, while Matt Ryan, quarterback for Atlanta, clinched it in 2008.
Adrian Peterson, known for his extraordinary feats as a running back for Minnesota, received the title in 2007, while Vince Young of Tennessee was celebrated in 2006. Remarkably, Carnell Williams from Tampa Bay claimed the honor in 2005, demonstrating the prowess of emerging talent.
Other notable winners include Ben Roethlisberger of Pittsburgh in 2004 and Anquan Boldin from Arizona in 2003. The early 2000s saw Clinton Portis of Denver take the title in 2002 and Anthony Thomas from Chicago in 2001.
Mike Anderson of Denver received the honor in 2000, followed by Edgerrin James of Indianapolis in 1999. Noteworthy wide receiver Randy Moss from Minnesota won in 1998, while Warrick Dunn, known for his agility, was honored in 1997.
The legends continued with Eddie George from Houston in 1996, Curtis Martin of New England in 1995, and Marshall Faulk from Indianapolis in 1994. Jerome Bettis, representing the L.A. Rams, earned the accolade in 1993, while Carl Pickens of Cincinnati succeeded in 1992.
Many significant players have received recognition through the years, showcasing the immense talent entering the NFL and providing fans with thrilling performances and unforgettable moments on the field.
The NFL’s commitment to honoring outstanding rookie achievements not only highlights individual successes but also reflects the evolving landscape of professional football each season.
