The NFL threw its own awards show on Saturday, handing out honors to the league’s top players. Aaron Rodgers was named MVP, with Cam Newton taking home the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
NFL Honors Show: The View From Behind The Scenes
The NFL went a little Hollywood on us and for the first time ever conducted an awards ceremony for postseason honors such as AP offensive player of the year, coach of the year and league MVP. Anything the NFL touches seems to turn to gold so, as expected, it was a terrific show with plenty of stars, both from the NFL and Hollywood.
I had a different view of the awards show than most. While those in attendance sat in the Murat Theater in Indianapolis, and those at home watched on TV, I spent my time in the XFINITY Lounge talking with the players that were honored throughout the evening. Think backstage pass.
Read Article >Aaron Rodgers Named 2011 NFL MVP By AP At NFL Honors Ceremony
For more on Rodgers and the Packers, visit Acme Packing Company.
Read Article >Drew Brees Wins AP NFL Offensive Player Of The Year Award At NFL Honors Ceremony
The signal-caller threw for more than 300 yards passing for seven straight games and 13 times during the season, both beating league marks he already held. The Saints’ offense flourished around him, setting single-season records for offensive yards with 7,474 and first downs with 416.
For more on Brees and the Saints, visit SB Nation blog Canal Street Chronicles.
Read Article >Terrell Suggs Wins Defensive Player Of The Year At NFL Awards Ceremony

Getty ImagesFor more on Suggs and his team, check out Baltimore Ravens blog Baltimore Beatdown.
Read Article >Von Miller Wins AP NFL Defensive Rookie Of The Year Award At NFL Honors Ceremony
Miller was the No. 2 overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft, meaning that, along with Cam Newton, the No. 1 and No. 2 overall selections took home the offensive and defensive rookie awards.
After receiving the award, Miller said “I have a whole lot of room to get better. I need to cut down on the all the mental errors, coach Smith will coach me hard I’m sure.”
Read Article >Jim Harbaugh Wins Coach Of The Year At NFL Honors Ceremony

Getty ImagesHarbaugh spent four years as the Stanford Cardinal head coach before he was hired and handed a five-year, $25 million contract by the Niners. He turned the team around instantly, molding Alex Smith into a serviceable starting quarterback while turning the 49ers defense into one of the best in the NFL. They finished with a 13-3 record on the back of that defense, which was fourth in total defense and second in average points against.
For more on Harbaugh and his team, check out San Fransisco 49ers blog Niners Nation and SB Nation Bay Area.
Read Article >Cam Newton Wins AP NFL Offensive Rookie Of The Year Award At NFL Honors Ceremony


NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 1: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers scrambles against Cameron Jordan #94 of the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 1, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) Getty ImagesCarolina improve from 2-14 to 6-10 under Cam’s watch, turning the team from a basement dweller into a franchise on the rise.
For more on Newton and the Carolina Panthers, visit Cat Scratch Reader.
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