Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was seated on the opposite side of the dais from Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt at Friday’s 101 Awards news conference.
“I try to stay as far away from that family as possible,” Mahomes quipped.
The 54th Annual NFL Awards ceremony was held at the Loews Kansas City Convention Center Hotel. The black-tie affair is perhaps better known as the 101 Awards, and it honors the best players and coaches from the past year.
Chiefs award winners also were recognized Friday: Mahomes, who won the Derrick Thomas Award (team MVP) and wide receiver Rashee Rice, the Mack Lee Hill Award (rookie of the year) recipient.
The Committee of 101, which consists of 101 members of the national media, recognized the following NFL players and coaches:
AFC Coach of the Year: DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans NFC Coach of the Year: Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions
AFC Offensive Player of the Year: Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
AFC Defensive Player of the Year: Watt NFC Offensive Player of the Year: Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
NFC Defensive Player of the Year: Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys Watt was the only NFL award winner present at Friday’s ceremony. It was the third time in the past four years Watt has won the award.
That’s one fewer than his brother, former Texans star J.J. Watt. “I could see my brother won it four times. I thought it was three, so I’m a little frustrated about that,” Watt joked. “ But it gives me more motivation. And anytime at these award shows, I leave more motivated when I came, and that’s just because I’m surrounded with greatness.”
MAHOMES HONORED
Mahomes, who threw for 4,183 yards and 27 touchdowns this past season, said it was gratifying to be recognized by his teammates.
“To be nominated by your teammates, that’s the true reward,” he said. “We have so many great players on our team and we’re part of a great run here. So I never take it for granted to be able to stand on a stage like this or be in the locker room that I’m in.
“… To host this thing in Kansas City, it’s such a great city. And I’m glad we get to continue to show what a great city it is. And like Rashee said, we’re not satisfied and as long as we stay away from T.J. and some of those other guys. We’re gonna try to keep this thing rolling, but it’s a great city. We have a great team with a lot of great people, and let’s keep this thing going.”
RICE’S GRATITUDE
Rice thanked the Chiefs coaches, general manager Brett Veach and the Hunt family for what they’ve done for him.
In his first NFL season, Rice caught 79 passes for 938 yards and seven touchdowns. During the postseason, Rice had 26 receptions, 262 receiving yards and a touchdown. “Just to be able to be a part of such a amazing franchise and be nominated by my teammates is huge for me,” Rice said. “It’s an honor for my teammates to pick me to have the privilege to talk to you guys today.”
BERMAN RECOGNIZED
Longtime ESPN broadcaster Chris Berman was given the Lamar Hunt Award for Professional Football. That is given to “an individual, group or entity that has helped shape the National Football League into the preeminent professional sports league in America.
” Berman talked about meeting Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt decades ago and how they took a liking to one another.
“I’m honored that the family thinks enough of me,” Berman said to Chiefs CEO/chairman Clark Hunt. “I’m really honored that the sport that I love and the players and the people in the sport that I love as a kid following the AFL.
“… I was in eighth grade and the Jets won the Super Bowl. I was in the ninth grade and the Chiefs won the Super Bowl in the last game ever played by the AFL. You stuck it up the NFL’s you-know-what the second time. I will never forget.
” Berman was host of ESPN’s “NFL Primetime” at a time when football highlights were not easy to find.
“I love the game of football,” Berman said. “And I love that it was a gathering place, our shows, for those in the league: owners, coaches, players. …
“To receive the Lamar Hunt Award, that really is close to home.”
