PHOENIX — There's a new way to spell R-E-L-A-X: M-V-P.
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was named Most Valuable Player of the 2014 NFL season at Saturday's 4th Annual NFL Honors on the eve of Super Bowl XLIX. He beat out the other top finalists, led by Texans defensive end J.J. Watt. Rodgers garnerd 31 of 50 votes, while Watt had 13. Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo also was in the running.
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Rodgers threw for 4,381 yards and 38 touchdowns and only five interceptions. He posted a 112.2 passer rating and led the league in average net yards per attempt, 7.68. Rodgers also led Green Bay to another NFC North title with a 12-4 record.
It's the second time Rodgers has taken home the league's top individual hardware. He took home his first MVP three years ago when he went 14-1 as a starter for the 15-1 Packers. He fell just short of winning AP Offensive Player of the Year, finishing second to Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray. Rodgers, however, was named Sporting News' Offensive Player of the Year, as voted on by fellow players and coaches.
In addition to great numbers, Rodgers had great leadership. When the Packers were 1-2 and not playing well on either side of the ball following a loss to the Lions, he did get all of this teammates to yes, relax. They then went on to win 12 of their final 15 games, rebounding right away against the rival Bears. They fell just short of representing the NFC in Super Bowl XLIX, losing to the Seahawks in overtime of a heartbreaking championship game.
According to the scouts at Pro Football Focus, Rodgers was the top-rated quarterback in the league with a grade of 40.4, well ahead of the No. 2 QB, Drew Brees. He was No. 2 to Brees when he won MVP in 2011.
Rodgers was helped by terrific seasons by his two top wideouts, Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb. He made sure to recognize his receivers and the rest of his team.
“When you a win a lot of games and your playmakers make a lot of plays together, you’re going to win awards," Rodgers said.
Rodgers appreciated the great season Watt put up to challenge for the award, but acknowledged it would be a difficult for Watt to break through to take home MVP next season.
“It’s an offensive geared-league. A quarterback or running back usually wins this. It’s tough, but he can win it," Rodgers said.
