On February 8th, the NFL celebrated their 13th annual NFL Honors Award Ceremony at the Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas. The ceremony, hosted by comedian Keegan-Michael Key, highlighted the accomplishments of players around the league for their success on and off the field.
Many awards were given out including Coach of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Rookie of the Year, Walter Payton Man of the Year, and many more. The most prestigious award: Most Valuable Player (MVP), was awarded to Lamar Jackson of the
Baltimore Ravens for his superb season at quarterback.
Shadow Ridge security officer and assistant football coach Giovanni Chanes states, “As a lifelong Ravens fan it is very fun to watch Lamar and the boys win games. Lamar is a special quarterback that definitely deserves the award for the best player in the NFL. He is just that special.”
Many quarterbacks like Brock Purdy and Josh Allen joined Jackson as contenders for the MVP award. Jackson’s victories against the 49ers and Dolphins in the end of the regular season secured his spot as the number one player in the NFL.
Photo Courtesy of: Colin McGinnis
Cameron Heyward, a defensive end from the Steelers, was awarded the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for his impact and legacy he left on his community in Pittsburgh this year. Each year, every NFL team selects one player to represent their team for the prestigious award. Heyward will receive a $250,000 donation for a charity of his choice.
Junior Joseph Darr states, “Cam Heyward is not only a talented player, he’s also a great man and leader. Ever since I started watching the Steelers, he has always been a player that I look up to for his work ethic and sportsmanship.”
Heyward, a 6x Pro Bowler, has been nominated for Man of the Year by the Steelers for the last 6 years in a row and has been the team captain for the Steelers since 2015.
Photo Courtesy of: Colin McGinnis
Presenting Hewyard’s award was Prince Harry of Great Britain. Viewers of the ceremony were puzzled why the Prince was there in the first place.
Senior Aaron Coverdell states, “Seeing the Prince present Heyward his award was sort of confusing. Why would they have him and not a Hall of Famer present one of the most important awards?”
Prince Harry’s appearance was shocking as it was recently announced that the King of Great Britain and father of Prince Harry, King Charles III was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The Honors ceremony opened up the night with a Red Carpet event as players and their wives walked the red carpet showing their stunning suits and dresses. Hall of Famers and legends like Barry Sanders, Drew Brees, Michael Irvin, and Ray Lewis were also in attendance.
In addition to the awards ceremony, the 2024 NFL Hall of Famers were also inducted. Key names included Dwight Freeney, Julius Peppers, Patrick Willis, and Devin Hester. The football world was shocked to not see former Chargers tightend Antonio Gates inducted.
Junior Diego Madrid spoke out about Gates not making the Hall of Fame cut, “I think that it is absolute bogus. Gates is a top three tight end of all time, and should have been a first ballot hall of famer.”
Gates played with the San Diego Chargers his entire career and has the NFL record for most touchdowns by a tight end. It is Gates’ first year on the Hall of Fame ballot so he will still have four more years of eligibility to be voted into Canton.
