Because there isn’t enough NFL talk lately
NFL names Mahomes MVP
The NFL Honors took place Saturday, and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes took home the MVP award. Mahomes had a phenomenal season, with over 5,000 yards passing and an NFL-leading 50 touchdowns. While Drew Brees had a higher passer rating over the course of the season, Mahomes threw for over 1,000 more yards and 18 more touchdowns.
Defensive Player of the Year was given to Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who led the NFL with 20.5 sacks, the most ever for a defensive tackle. Furthermore, Defensive Rookie of the Year was awarded to Colts linebacker Darius Leonard, who led the NFL with 163 combined tackles. Among the more surprising selections, Giants running back Saquon Barkley edged out Browns QB Baker Mayfield for Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Mayfield helped to turn the Browns franchise around, but Barkley was ultimately given the awards after leading the NFL in all-purpose yards.
Bailey, Reed, Gonzalez lead NFL HOF class
The Hall of Fame Class of 2019 was also announced at the NFL Honors ceremony. Among those inducted were three first-ballot players: cornerback Champ Bailey, safety Ed Reed and tight end Tony Gonzalez. Cornerback Ty Law and center Kevin Mawae were the other two modern players selected. There were also two contributor selections, former Dallas Cowboys vice president of player personnel Gil Brandt and former Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, as well as one senior selection in safety Johnny Robinson. Given the size and talent of the eligible player pool every year, I have my doubts about Julian Edelman earning a spot in Canton, but the weight of his jewelry just might carry him there.
Lindsey Vonn to ski final slope
Women’s skiing icon Lindsey Vonn crashed while competing in the super-G event at the alpine ski World Championships Tuesday. She collided with a gate and fell face first, eventually hitting the safety netting. The course in Are, Sweden gave the skiers problems throughout the event, with a total of 14 skiers failing to finish. Vonn survived with few injuries, including a black eye and a sore upper body.
Prior to entering the 2019 World Championships in Sweden, Vonn announced that the super-G event and the downhill event would be her last races. The Minnesota native has won more World Cups than any other female skier, with eight downhill championships and five super-G championships. Vonn competed in her first World Cup in 2000. Now, at the age of 34, she has had six knee surgeries, and as a result has decided to retire.
Vonn has one final race before she retires for good. She is planning on competing in the downhill championship Sunday.