New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough has completed his unexpected rise to the top by winning the fan-voted NFL Rookie of the Year award.
Shough, 26, had a longer college career than most, playing for Oregon, Texas Tech and Louisville before being selected No 40 overall in 2025 NFL Draft.
He was initially involved in a three-player fight for the No 1 quarterback spot in New Orleans at the start of this season, initially losing out to Spencer Rattler.
Shough didn’t start his first game until November, with the team sitting 1-7, but he completed a remarkable turnaround and broke multiple franchise records.
‘I’m truly humbled and honored to be chosen for this award,’ said Shough, who was pictured with his Pepsi Zero Sugar-sponsored award ahead of tonight’s NFL Honors ceremony in San Francisco, where he could also win the AP Rookie of the Year title.
‘Coming in as a rookie, my goal was to do anything I could to contribute to our team’s success. Whatever I was asked to do, I just wanted to help the team. This wouldn’t be possible without all my teammates and coaches giving everything they had each and every week to help us win.
Tyler Shough poses with his Rookie of the Year award ahead of this weekend’s Super Bowl
Shough didn’t start a game until November but was impressive as a starter for the Saints
Shough (center) speaks on the field after helping to beat the New York Jets back in December
‘This award is truly a reflection of all their hard work. I also want to say thank you to our amazing fans. Your unbelievable passion for the Saints and the city of New Orleans inspires all of us! I can’t wait to see where we go from here!’
Shough had the highest completion percentage among all rookies in the league (67.6), as well as the second-most passing yards and second-highest passer rating.
In winning the award, he beat Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, as well as Super Bowl-bound Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson.
Also nominated were Ashton Jeanty, Tet McMillan and Carson Schwesinger.
On Thursday night, he is nominated for the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year award too, where he will be up against Dart, Henderson, McMillan and Buccaneers wideout Emeka Egbuka.
