Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes named Derrick Thomas MVP, Rashee Rice named Mack Lee Hill Rookie of the Year
It's that time of the year, Kansas City Chiefs fans. The team has announced its annual MVP and Rookie of the Year awards. The MVP award is named after Chiefs legend Derrick Thomas who tragically passed away in 2000. The Mack Lee Hill Award honors a rookie or first-year player. It is named after former Chiefs […]
It's that time of the year, Kansas City Chiefs fans.
The team has announced its annual MVP and Rookie of the Year awards. The MVP award is named after Chiefs legend Derrick Thomas who tragically passed away in 2000. The Mack Lee Hill Award honors a rookie or first-year player. It is named after former Chiefs RB Mack Lee Hill, who died during knee surgery in 1965.
Following the conclusion of any given season, Chiefs players submit their votes to name one player Derrick Thomas MVP, and another the Mack Lee Hill Award winner. Surprisingly, this year's winners both come on the offensive side of the ball.
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes named Derrick Thomas MVP for 2023
This award marks Mahomes’ third career Derrick Thomas MVP and his second consecutive year earning the award. He was first named Derrick Thomas MVP by the team following the 2018 NFL season.
This year wasn't quite as prolific a season from Mahomes statistically with 401 completions for 4,183 yards and 27 touchdown passes with a career-high 14 interceptions. The offense suffered from drops, penalties, and general mental lapses in 2023, but Mahomes pushed through and helped lead the team to another Super Bowl title in Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers.
Chiefs WR Rashee Rice named Mack Lee Hill Rookie of the Year for 2023
It should come as no surprise that Rice was named Mack Lee Hill Rookie of the Year.
Rice was one of the most productive rookie receivers that Andy Reid has ever coached with 73 receptions for 938 yards and seven touchdowns in the regular season. He broke franchise records by a rookie for both touchdown catches and receptions. He's now become the first wide receiver to win the Mack Lee Hill Award since Tyreek Hill in 2016. He's the second consecutive offensive player to win the award, with Isiah Pacheco winning it in 2022.
Rice recorded 26 catches for 262 yards and 1 touchdown in four postseason games this year. His catch mark was good enough for the most by a rookie in a single NFL postseason in history, ousting Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase for the record.
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