New Orleans Saints superstar Michael Thomas became just the second wide receiver in NFL history to be named the league’s Offensive Player of the Year, joining Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Jerry Rice (who did it twice, in 1987 and 1993). Thomas was presented with the award at the NFL Honors ceremony in Miami, and was introduced by none other than his quarterback, Drew Brees (who won this recognition in 2008 and 2011).
Thomas broke the NFL’s all-time single season record for receptions (149), while also leading the league in receiving yards (1,725). He caught 9 touchdown passes in 16 games, ultimately playing 942 of 1,063 snaps on offense — the most of any Saints player besides the offensive linemen. He posted the second-best catch rate of his career (80.5%) and appears to already be on a Hall of Fame-bound trajectory. It’s going to be fascinating to see where his Saints career goes next.
Here are how all of the 2019 NFL Honors awards shook out:
- Offensive Player of the Year: New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas
- Defensive Player of the Year: New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore, while the
- Comeback Player of the Year: Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
- Offensive Rookie of the Year: Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray
- Defensive Rookie of the Year: San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa
