Rodgers wins 3rd MVP, Donald gets 3rd top defensive player

A pair of Aarons pulled off an NFL hat trick Saturday night.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers earned his third Associated Press Most Valuable Player award, while Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald took his third top defensive player prize at NFL Hors.

Also taking home awards were two members of Washington Football Team: quarterback Alex Smith was Comeback Player of Year in one of most inspirational stories of 2020, and edge rusher Chase Young got top defensive rookie.

Titans 2,000-yard rusher Derrick Henry won Offensive Player of Year, and offensive rookie hor went to Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. Cleveland's Kevin Stefanski was Coach of Year, and Buffalo offensive coordinator Brian Daboll earned assistant coach hors.

Rodgers had perhaps best season of his 16-year career, leading Green Bay to a 13-3 regular season, NFC’s best mark. Just a few months after questions arose about his comfort level with Packers — and ir choosing a quarterback in first round of April’s draft — Rodgers, who turned 37 in December, tore up NFL.

Rodgers topped league with 48 touchdown passes completion rate (70.7 percent), and a 121.5 rating. He was picked off just five times.

“It is really special to have won it in my fourth year as a starter and w to win it in my 13th year as a starter in a new offense is pretty amazing and something I am very proud of,” Rodgers said. “To have sustained success and be able to play your best football at 37 in my 16th season is something I take a lot of pride in.”

Donald, Los Angeles Rams’ unanimous All-Pro, added 2020 top defensive player hor to his wins in 2017 and 2018. Only Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor (1981, ’82, 86) and Houston edge rusher J.J. Watt (2012, ’14, 15) have earned award three times.

“You just named two great defensive players,” he said, “so any time your name is mentioned with greats, you will be hored — especially re’s only a few that have accomplished that. To be third to do it that is truly a blessing. It shows body of work that I have; anytime your hard work is rewarded you are going to be happy about that. It is just a blessing.”

Im credits: AP