Jets duo Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner are rewarded with NFL’s OPOY and DROY of the Year awards
>
A New York Jets double! Garrett Wilson Named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and Willow Gardner Rewarded for Outstanding Season with DROY Award
The New York Jets completed a double round of rookie awards, with wide receiver Garett Wilson named the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, while Willow Gardner was named Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Gardner and Wilson are the third teammates to win offensive and defensive rookie awards in the same season.
Alvin Kamara and Marshon Lattimore did it with the Saints in 2017 and Detroit’s Mel Farr and Lem Barney did it in 1967.
Wilson was rewarded for a breakout season after finishing 15th overall in receiving yards racking up 1,103 and four touchdowns.
Despite inconsistency at the quarterback position, Wilson was a bright spot for the Jets’ offense after his release from Ohio State.
Wide receiver Garett Wilson was named the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in Phoenix, AZ.
Wilson led the Jets’ offense with more than 1,000 receiving yards in his rookie season.
He won the award over San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy and Seattle powerhouse Kenneth Walker III.
Gardner, who was a prized draft pick out of Cincinnati, dominated the Jets’ secondary in his debut season.
He won the award Thursday, with 46 first-place votes. Meanwhile, Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson finished second with 129 points, earning three first-place votes.
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen placed third with 73 points, including a first-place vote.
Gardner, the fourth overall pick in the draft, started every game for the Jets. He had two interceptions and allowed just 33 catches on 73 targets.
The former Bearcat was a first-team All-Pro, becoming the first rookie cornerback to achieve the honor since Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott in 1981.
Affectionately known as Willow, Gardner had two interceptions in 17 games and allowed just a 53.5% completion rate when quarterbacks darted his way.
Usually, Willow Gardner was icy when he claimed the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
The former Cincinnati Bearcat was named an All-Pro, the first rookie since Ronnie Lott in 1981.