The NFL's Rookie of the Year announcement caused a stir, leaving many questioning the league's peculiar and seemingly insensitive presentation of the award.
The NFL had its awards ceremony for the 2025 season, NFL Honors, on Thursday night. And while the celebration was a big night for one former New Orleans Saints quarterback, it was not the perfect night for another.
While Saints legend Drew Brees was honored for reaching the Hall of Fame on his first ballot chance, the current quarterback in New Orleans Tyler Shough was in the running for a well-deserved Rookie of the Year award. Those who follow the NFL thought so as Shough was given the Pepsi Zero Rookie of the Year award.
More interesting than the decision to give the award to Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan was the way the league announced the decision. Chris Rosvoglou of The Spun discussed what made the announcement so peculiar.
"If you thought the NFL poorly handled the Offensive Rookie of the Year presentation on Thursday night, you're not alone.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan took home the award after hauling in 70 passes for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns during his rookie season. NFL fans thought he was the right choice for Offensive Rookie of the Year. After all, he had the most touchdown receptions by any rookie this season.
So, what's the problem? For some bizarre reason, the NFL had the father-in-law of New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough announce the winner. That led many to believe that Shough won the award."
New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) talks to New Orleans Saints quarterback coach Scott Tolzien during training camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Stephen Lew-Imagn ImagesMaking the father-in-law of a legitimate award candidate read the name of a player other than his son-in-law might be one way to create headlines but probably was not the result Shough's family was looking for on the night. And while it probably should not be that big of a deal, it may underline the disappointment for Shough not to receive the award.
There are plenty more milestones Shough will have an opportunity to achieve in his career. The Saints signal caller appears to be on the way to a successful football career with playoff football not that far away. Shough proved he can elevate an offense without an abundance of skill position players behind star wide receiver Chris Olave. Now he will likely see his franchise build around what the team already has.
It's not the biggest deal that Shough was not given the award, but it was certainly noteworthy. The quarterback will look to prove doubters wrong on the field in 2026.