After a stellar season in which the young Detroit Lions’ edge rusher, Aidan Hutchinson, broke NFL rookie records, he also capped it all off by winning an award. Competing with phenomenal rookies such as Sauce Gardner and Tariq Woolen, the young Lion proved that he stood amongst the best of the league in 2022.
Congratulations to @Aidanhutch97 for winning @Pepsi Rookie of the Year!
Thank you to all the amazing #Lions fans who voted! pic.twitter.com/S7iuEzd0sN
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) February 9, 2023
As just the third defender to win the award, Hutchinson joins the elite company of Nick Bosa (2019) and Ndamukong Suh (2010). Hutchinson was a sure-fire pick to win the award, dominating in his rookie season with 9.5 sacks, three interceptions, nine tackles for loss, and a whopping 30 pressures.
The only concern for Lions fans was the large market that would be pushing for Hutchinson’s competition, Sauce Gardner. The talented corner out of New York had a massive fan base pushing for his award win, but Hutchinson’s play on the field and his leadership off of it, helped him take home the crown.
Detroit Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson Receives Praise that Helps Seal the Deal
This wasn’t just because the fans believed in Hutchinson though, as he gained the praise of many veterans and legends alike. His teammate, Michael Brockers, said earlier this week “Me, biasedly obviously, I think he should win the crown because just look at how much he—he rushes the pass really well, he drops in coverage, caught a bunch of interceptions this season, made plays,” making the case for Hutchinson’s rookie of the year win.
NFL legend and hall of fame, Michael Strahan, was also singing Aidan Hutchinson’s praise earlier this week in a sit down with Tim Twentyman from DetroitLions.com. Saying, “I just think he’s going to be a future star,” and “He made a lot of plays that stars make in his rookie year. The future is really, really bright. I’m excited. I think that everyone thinks that because you’re pick No. 2 that you’re going to come in and instantly have success and it’s a different level. Completely different level.”
Everyone around the NFL knew Hutchinson was a star in the making, but it was just a matter of time before it was confirmed with some hardware. As the backbone of this rising Lions’ defense, Hutchinson and crew just need a strong offseason before competing for a divisional crown. Only time will tell with the Detroit Lions, but if players like Hutchinson continue to emerge for them, they will be set for a run to the top of the NFL.
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