I Voted and I Chose:

Emerging Player

“Recognizes a player that has demonstrated a combination of great performance, character and maturity on and off the field, which has distinguished him as a “rising star” of the next generation of football greats.”

Matt Ryan:

Birth Date: May 17, 1985

Birth Place: Exton, PA

Height: 6-4  Weight: 220 lbs

Age: 25

Position: QB

Experience: 3 years

Matt Ryan was drafted first in as the 3rd overall pick in 2008. Ryan started 16 games as a rookie and finished at 11-5 making the playoffs and passing Joe Flacco for posting the best regular season record ever by a rookie quarterback.

To date, this 25 year old has 22 touchdowns and only 8 interceptions with a 90.7 passer rating. The 11-2 Falcons are in first place position in the NFC South.

Other choices for “Emerging Player”:

Sam Bradford, Clay Matthews, Desean Jackson, and Josh Freeman

Comeback Player

“Recognizes a player that has overcome obstacles, adverse situations and/or injury with an outstanding performance and a spectacular comeback.”

Michael Vick

Birth Date: June 26, 1980

Birth Place: Newport News , VA

Height: 6-0   Weight: 215

Age: 30

College: Virginia Tech

Experience: 9th season

Michael Vick has had his share of issues stemming from his arrest and banishment from the NFL. After missing 2 years of football during his time in jail, Vick was reinstated into the NFL by Roger Goodell and spent his first year back in 2009 playing sparingly.

In September, Eagles head coach Ed Reid announced Vick to start, and #7 was back in the pocket ready to take action and make a comeback!

Vick heads into week 15 with 17 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions; the wrath is back.

Other Choices for “Comeback Player”:

Wes Welker, Terrell Owens, Peyton Hillis, and Ladainian Tomlinson

Heart of the Game

“Acknowledges a player for his determination and resilience on the field, enthusiasm and motivation from the sideline, and overall passion for the game of football.”

Ray Lewis

Birth Date: May 15, 1975

Birth Place: Bartow , FL

Height: 6-1   Weight: 250

Age: 35

College: Miami (Fla.)

Experience: 14th season

Ray Lewis has had some sketchy events throughout his life but on the field he displays incredible strength, and is the heart and soul of the Baltimore Ravens. Lewis was drafted by the Ravens in the first round, pick 26 over a decade ago, 1996. He has been selected to 11 Pro Bowls, the only player ever to be named NFL Defensive Player of the year twice, selected to the NFL All-Decade Team, and named  Super Bowl XXXV’s Most Valuable Player as the 2nd linebacker ever.

In 2000, he led the Ravens defense on a 16-game single-season record with the fewest points allowed and fewest rushing yards allowed. He leads the Ravens franchise in tackles, sacks and interceptions. Lewis has 117 tackles, 2 forced fumbles and 2 sacks to date. He is amazing to watch and one of the most skillful players at his position, let alone his age!

Lewis gets it done and does it with style!

Other choices for “Heart of the Game”:

Jared Allen, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, and London Fletcher

Birth Date

May 17, 1985