Aaron Rodgers wins 2014 NFL Most Valuable Player
PHOENIX — Though J.J. Watt made a strong case, the NFL — again — won't have a defender as its Most Valuable Player.
That honor goes to Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who won his second career MVP trophy Saturday at the 4th Annual NFL Honors at Symphony Hall in the Phoenix Convention Center. Rodgers beat out Watt and Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, among others.
Even though Watt emerged as a threat to become the league's first defensive MVP since former Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor won in 1986, Rodgers claimed he knew he would win.
"Can I say yes?" he said with a smile when asked if he knew whether he would get the trophy. "I have some insider information, so that's why I can say yes."
Rodgers completed 65.6% of his passes for 4,381 yards and 38 touchdowns against just five interceptions. He helped lead the Packers to an 11-3 record, NFC North title and led the team to the NFC Championship Game before falling to the Seahawks two weeks ago.
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Rodgers' second MVP award ties him with Patriots quarterback Tom Brady for second among active players. Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has won the award five times, while retired players Jim Brown, Johnny Unitas and Brett Favre won the award three times.
"That's a great list to be mentioned with those guys," Rodgers said. "Peyton set the gold standard. He and Tom Brady did as far as quarterback play in my generation, so it's incredible. It's great. It just means that I've put up some consistent play."
Rodgers secured 31 of 50 votes, beating out Watt's 13. Other players to receive votes included Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (two), Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (two), Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (one) and Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (one).
Murray was the NFL's busiest running back this season, and won with the Offensive Player of the Year award.
He touched the ball 449 times for 2,261 total yards and 13 touchdowns. But as he enters the offseason as a free agent, his future is uncertain.
"I don't think it's any surprise or any secret of where I want to play next year," Murray said. "It's a great organization. Great players and a lot of great friendships that I've made over four years. I understand the business side of it, and if I'm not there, hopefully we can remain friends, but I think everyone knows where I want to be."
Though Watt couldn't secure the league's MVP trophy, he won't leave Arizona with a bad consolation prize. For the first time in the history of the award, Watt was the unanimous Defensive Player of the Year.
Watt dominated in 2014, collecting 78 tackles, 20.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and one interception. He also scored five total touchdowns, three of which came on the offensive side of the ball.
WATCH: RODGERS DISCUSSES MVP AWARD
Though the Cardinals had a disappointing end to their season thanks in part to debilitating injuries, Bruce Arians led the Arizona Cardinals to an 11-5 record, good for second best in the NFC West and a playoff berth. He won the AP Coach of the Year award.
Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award and Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald took the honor on defense.
Beckham launched himself to national prominence with a spectacular one-handed catch that went viral, and hauled in 91 receptions, 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns. Donald started 12 games and registered 48 tackles, nine sacks and two forced fumbles for St. Louis.
"It really means everything," Beckham said. "To look in the stands and see my mom and my dad up there. To see them tearing up and making them proud, that's something no one can ever take away from me."
Follow Lorenzo Reyes on Twitter @Lorenzo_G_Reyes.
