2006 Award Winners...
January 05, 2007

With the NFL Playoffs officially starting tomorrow, it's time to visit the NFL award winners. Here's a quick glance at who took home the hardware in '06...

League MVP & Offensive Player of the Year - LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers

LT II had a recorded breaking year. He set the single season touchdown mark in by reaching the end zone 31 times (28 rushing). He scored a total of 186 points, a record that stood for 46-years. Tomlinson might be a running back, but he was 2-for-3 in the air, both completions for touchdowns, adding to his career total making it six. He finished the season leading the NFL in rushing with 1,815.

The Chargers finished a 14-2 mark, leading many experts to pick San Diego as the favorite to win the Super Bowl.

Defensive Player of the Year - Jason Taylor, Miami Dolphins

Miami may not have had the best season, but their defense was anchored by the leagues best player. Jason Taylor recorded 62 tackles and 13½ sacks. He picked off two interceptions, returning both for touchdowns. Taylor also forced an eye-popping 10 fumbles.

Come Back Player of the Year - Chad Pennington, New York Jets

Sitting at home after 2 torn rotator cuffs, Chad Pennington had no idea what was in store for his future. The future looked bright as Pennington won the starting job back and lead the Jets to a 10-6 record and a Wild Card Playoff Birth. He finished 2nd in the AFC with a 95.7 passer rating and threw for 3,352 yards, a career high.

Rookie of Year - Vince Young, Tennessee Titans and DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans

Vince Young showed he could win, leading the Titans to a 7-4 record. This put him in a tie for fifth with Dan Marino, for the most wins by a rookie since 1970. Young threw for 2,199 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also rushed for 552 yards and put the ball in the end zone seven times. DeMeco Ryans was the top rookie on D. He finished the year with 3.5 sacks, 155 tackles, 1 INT and forced a fumble.

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