NFL
Record-setting Manning wins a record 5th NFL MVP award
NEW YORK – Peyton Manning won his fifth Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player award in a landslide.
The Denver Broncos’ record-setting quarterback, who threw for 55 touchdowns and 5,477 yards in leading the Broncos to the AFC’s best record, earned 49 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league. New England quarterback Tom Brady got the other vote in balloting announced Saturday night.
Manning, who also was voted the NFL Offensive Player of the Year on Saturday, won his other MVPs with Indianapolis in 2003, ’04, ’08 and ’09. He also was runner-up last season to Adrian Peterson.
No one else has won more than three NFL MVP awards.
Manning still trails several Hall of Famers for total MVPs in their sport. Wayne Gretzky won nine NHL MVPs, Barry Bonds owns seven in baseball, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won six in the NBA.
Kuechly goes from top rookie to top defensive player
NEW YORK – Luke Kuechly was voted The Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year, adding the honor to his top defensive rookie award of 2012.
Carolina’s All-Pro linebacker was credited with 96 tackles for a defense that allowed 241 points, fewer than any team except NFC champion Seattle. He also had four interceptions, two sacks and eight passes defensed.
Alabama and Mizzou alumni win Rookies of the Year
NEW YORK – Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy won The Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
A second-round pick (61st overall) from Alabama, Lacy was a key performer in the Packers’ offense, particularly when star quarterback Aaron Rodgers was sidelined for seven games. He rushed for 1,178 yards on 284 carries (4.1 average), with 11 touchdowns. He also had 35 receptions.
NEW YORK – New York Jets tackle Sheldon Richardson won The Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Richardson, the 13th overall pick in April’s draft from Missouri on a selection acquired when New York traded star cornerback Darrelle Revis to Tampa Bay, made 42 tackles and had 3½ sacks.
NFC South champion coach is the Coach of the Year
NEW YORK – Ron Rivera took the Carolina Panthers from also-ran to division champion this season, earning him The Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year award.
Rivera’s Panthers went 12-4 to take the NFC South and get a first-round playoff bye.
Rivers’ bounceback lands comeback-player honors
NEW YORK – Philip Rivers’ turnaround season earned him The Associated Press NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.
Rivers led the San Diego Chargers to a wild-card playoff spot with four consecutive victories to close out the schedule, giving them a 9-7 record. He led the league with a 69.5 completion percentage and threw for 32 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.
Denver running back Knowshon Moreno tied for runner-up.
Associated Press
