NFL Honors

Since 2012, the NFL has handed out each season’s hardware at an annual awards show. NFL Honors. Initially, it was held on the eve of the Super Bowl in the city of the Super Bowl. Last year and now this year, the show was held the Thursday before the big game. The league brings in a celebrity to host the big event.

Alec Baldwin: 2012-14

Seth Meyers: 2015

Conan O’Brien: 2016

Keegan-Michael Key: 2017

Rob Riggle: 2018

Steve Harvey: 2019-21

Keegan-Michael Key: 2022

Kelly Clarkson: 2023

It was a fun event. It always is. It’s fun to see the players in an environment like this. Kelly Clarkson did great as the host. Her “duet” with Kirk Cousins was, of course, a highlight.

The Awards:

AP Offensive Player of the Year: Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings

AP Defensive Player of the Year: Nick Bosa, DE, San Francisco 49ers

AP Coach of the Year: Brian Daboll, New York Giants

AP Assistant Coach of the Year: DeMeco Ryans, San Francisco 49ers

AP Offensive Rookie of the Year: Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets

AP Defensive Rookie of the Year: Sauce Gardner

AP Comeback Player of the Year: Geno Smith, QB, Seattle Seahawks

Next Gen Stats Moment of the Year: Justin Jefferson’s ridiculous catch against the Bills

AP Most Valuable Player: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs

Walter Payton Man of the Year: Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

Salute to Service Award: Ron Rivera, Washington Commanders

Congratulations to all that took home some hardware. Especially Justin Jefferson. 

Perhaps the most anticipated moment of each NFL Honors is the announcement of the next Hall of Fame Class. It’s the most anticipated mostly because it’s the only announcement of the night that carries any surprises. The biggest surprise might be the lack of leaks in the couple weeks since the vote. 

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023

Joe Thomas

Darrelle Revis

DeMarcus Ware

Ronde Barber

Zach Thomas

Chuck Howley

Ken Riley

Joe Klecko

Don Coryell

I was disappointed that Jared Allen missed the Hall for a third time as a finalist. Hall of Fame voter and Vikings beat writer Mark Craig did say that Allen made it to the final cutdown. That might mean that 2024 will bring much better news for Allen and perhaps a Canton visit for me. When I pushed all biases aside, I had to accept that DeMarcus Ware probably deserved to make it before his fellow pass rusher. Ware deserves a bust. Allen deserves a bust. Ware will get his in August. Allen should get his soon. Next year, Julius Peppers joins the Hall of Fame fray. I’m expecting (hoping) both to go in together. Four years more than enough of a wait for Jared Allen.

As for the players and coach that did make it, nine members is a beefy class. It’s also very defense-centric. Only offensive tackle Joe Thomas played offense. After a too long wait, Don Coryell made it for his impact on football’s passing game. The remaining seven all played defense. 

Are we getting the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets in the Hall of Fame game? The league’s decision-makers usually tie the game into those being inducted. There are two Cowboys in the class: Chuck Howley and DeMarcus Ware. There are two Jets: Joe Klecko and Darrelle Revis. 

Congratulations to the Class of 2023. And best of luck to Jared Allen in 2024. I can’t wait to see you in Canton. You were one of the best and deserve to be honored with the best.