NFL Rookie of the Year Announcement Sparks Confusion - and a Tough Moment for Tyler Shough
The NFL Honors ceremony is supposed to be a celebration - a night where the league’s best are recognized for their performances, milestones, and moments that defined the season. But this year, amid the applause and accolades, one awkward moment left fans scratching their heads, and one young quarterback with more questions than answers.
Let’s set the scene: Thursday night, the league handed out its annual awards for the 2025 season. It was a banner evening for Saints legend Drew Brees, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame on his first ballot - a fitting tribute for one of the game's all-time greats. But for the current man under center in New Orleans, rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, the night turned a little sour.
Shough had already been recognized earlier with the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year, a fan-voted award that often lines up with the official Offensive Rookie of the Year. His performance this season certainly made a strong case: poised in the pocket, showing flashes of franchise potential, and doing it without a loaded offense around him. Saints fans had every reason to believe their guy might bring home the official honor as well.
But when it came time for the NFL to announce the Offensive Rookie of the Year, the award went to Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan - and deservingly so. McMillan put together an impressive rookie campaign, hauling in 70 catches for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns.
Those numbers led all rookies in touchdown receptions, and his impact on the Panthers’ offense was undeniable. From a purely football standpoint, it’s hard to argue with the selection.
The issue wasn’t the winner. It was how the league chose to announce it.
In a move that left fans and viewers puzzled, the NFL had Tyler Shough’s father-in-law announce the award - only for him to read out the name of another player. That’s right: the man announcing the award was directly related to one of the top candidates, and the result was a moment that felt more like a cruel twist than a celebration.
It’s the kind of thing that makes you do a double take. Was this intentional?
A coincidence? A miscommunication?
Whatever the reasoning, it didn’t land well. Watching a family member announce someone else’s name - especially when the player in question had already earned fan-voted honors - added an unnecessary layer of awkwardness to what should’ve been a straightforward moment.
Now, let’s be clear: this isn’t about taking anything away from McMillan. He earned the award. But the NFL’s presentation choice cast a strange shadow over what should’ve been a moment of pure recognition for both players.
As for Shough, this moment won’t define his career - not even close. If anything, it might add a little extra fuel to the fire.
The Saints’ young quarterback showed he’s more than capable of leading an NFL offense, even without a stacked supporting cast. He made the most of his opportunities, leaned on star wideout Chris Olave when it mattered, and proved he can handle the spotlight in one of football’s most passionate cities.
The future in New Orleans is starting to take shape, and Shough is at the center of it. The playoff picture is coming into focus, and with a full offseason of development and roster building ahead, the Saints have every reason to believe they’ve found their guy.
So while the NFL’s award night blunder might sting in the short term, it’s a footnote in what could be the start of something much bigger. Shough’s story is just getting started - and if this season was any indication, there are plenty more awards and accolades waiting down the road.