Super Bowl LVII is days away, but the NFL hosted another grand showcase on Thursday night, with the 12th annual NFL Honors taking place inside Phoenix's Symphony Hall. All the league's major awards from the 2022 season, including MVP and Coach of the Year, were announced as part of the festivities. But there was plenty of other special activity as well, from the revelation of the 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame class to a surprise speech from Bills safety Damar Hamlin.
Here's a recap of all the major award winners, plus some takeaways from the night:
- MVP: Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes
- Offensive Player of the Year: Vikings WR Justin Jefferson
- Defensive Player of the Year: 49ers DE Nick Bosa
- Coach of the Year: Giants' Brian Daboll
- Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jets WR Garrett Wilson
- Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jets CB Sauce Gardner
- Comeback Player of the Year: Seahawks QB Geno Smith
- Walter Payton Man of the Year: Cowboys QB Dak Prescott
Damar Hamlin steals the show
It's only fitting that the Bills safety headlined the event with a surprise appearance, after his late-season on-field collapse rightfully overtook every NFL headline until his recovery. Bengals and Bills trainers, as well as University of Cincinnati medical personnel, received a standing ovation for their efforts in saving Hamlin's life onstage at the NFL Honors. But Hamlin was living, breathing evidence of their service -- and answered prayers -- as he proclaimed himself an example of God's plan to inspire.
Kirk Cousins, pop star
No, really. Poke fun if you will, but several different players subbed in for host Kelly Clarkson as wannabe singers on Thursday night, with 49ers tight end George Kittle landing way off pitch and Saints pass rusher Cameron Jordan struggling to stay on beat. Only Cousins was a truly adequate fill-in, teasing a rendition of "Since You Been Gone." Vikings fans are glad that Cousins didn't get too far into it, rocking a mountain of chains onstage, but this writer wishes Clarkson wouldn't have cut him off so soon.
QB class acts
The Honors were another opportunity to pay tribute to the leaders at the QB position around the NFL. That may sound cliche, but between the MVP, Patrick Mahomes; and the Man of the Year, Dak Prescott, there was so much genuine commitment to family and community in their acceptance speeches. Mahomes' remarks were pre-recorded, but they were yet another reminder how polished, professional and dignified the Chiefs star has been despite his otherworldly talent and achievement. Prescott, meanwhile, took full advantage of the mic by championing selfless work after receiving praise for his battle-tested philanthropy.