Every year, the National Football League recognizes the top talent around the league with a multitude of awards. These awards range from Most Valuable Player (MVP), Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year, to Coach of the Year. Through the NFL Honors award show, the respective winners are brought onto a stage in front of their peers and the general audience, and are recognized with a trophy. These are some of the players who rose to the cream of the NFL’s crop.

 Most Valuable Player/Offensive Player of the Year: Matt Ryan

 The quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, Matt Ryan, also known as Matty Ice, was on fire throwing the ball all year long. He threw for 4,944 yards and 37 touchdowns, throwing a touchdown pass to 13 different people. Matt Ryan continues a trend of MVPs wining the Offensive Player of the Year as well, as Cam Newton did so the previous year. His offensive capabilities and ability to spread the ball earned him both of these awards.

 Defensive Player of the Year: Khalil Mack

 Defensive end for the Oakland Raiders, Khalil Mack was a disruptive force on defensive side all year long. He terrorized opposing offenses, having 73 tackles and sacking the quarterback 11 times throughout the year. He also caused five fumbles and was a factor in the passing game, as he also recorded an interception. Opposing offenses had to be fully aware of his presence at all times, earning him the Defensive Player of the Year award.

 Comeback Player of the Year: Jordy Nelson

 Wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers, Jordy Nelson missed the entire 2015-2016 season after suffering a right knee ACL tear. Jordy came back to have one of his greatest years. He was sixth in the NFL in receiving yards (1,257) and led the league in receiving touchdowns (14). Persevering through injury rehab and returning in top form earned him this award.

 Coach of the Year: Jason Garrett

 Head coach for the Dallas Cowboys, Jason Garrett was awarded the NFL’s Coach of the Year award after leading the Cowboys to a 13-3 record and the top record in the NFC. Garrett faced a lot of adversity this year, starting in the preseason when his star quarterback Tony Romo was sidelined with a back injury. However, with rookie quarterback Dak Prescott and rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott, he was able to lead his team to unprecedented new heights.

 These players earned their recognition through hard work throughout the regular season, and many fans of the NFL seem to agree with these awards. Senior Jalen Graham said, “Tom Brady was good this year, but nobody was on the same level as Matty Ice this year.”  These players worked tirelessly throughout the year, and because of this hard work, they were recognized as this year’s cream of the NFL’s crop.