Patrick Mahomes wins second NFL MVP; Nick Bosa is top defensive player – The Washington Post

“It would mean the world,” Mahomes said earlier Thursday at the Chiefs’ media availability. “To be able to win that award, it’s so special. It’s so hard to do. There’s so many greats that have won that award, and to be a part of that history is amazing. It’s definitely something that you want to look back at your career and say that you’ve got that award. To be able to win that again, it’s not only a testament to me but my team because as much as it’s an individual award, it’s a team award as well. And I hope my teammates know that.”

“We’ve just seen him grow as a quarterback,” Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said earlier Thursday. “His talent level goes far beyond … his ability to instinctually just go out there. He’s playing a step ahead. He’s always playing chess out there in terms of he’s got three or four moves already in his pocket, depending on what the defense does. That’s what’s going to make him the greatest ever. … I love playing with him.

“He’s nonstop always trying to find ways to make himself better for this team. You saw that more so this year than any other year that we played, knowing that the pieces were a little bit different in terms of the weapons that he has and the scrutiny. Everybody was kind of looking to see how he was going to take his game to the next level. And sure enough, I’m pretty sure he’ll win MVP.”

“He’s deserving of it, for sure,” Chiefs Coach Andy Reid said. “He works extremely hard, as you know, at his profession. He works hard to be the best. He tries to help our team be the best. He says it every day when he comes into practice into the huddle: ‘Let’s be great today.’ And he lives that. My hat goes off to him for that. I’m very proud of him for it.”

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson was named offensive rookie of the year after an 83-catch, 1,103-yard season. The voters chose him over quarterback Brock Purdy, who went from being the final player chosen in last year’s NFL draft to leading the 49ers to five straight wins (and two more in the playoffs) following injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo. Wilson’s teammate, cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, was named defensive rookie of the year.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith was named comeback player of the year. He was the league’s fifth-rated passer in his first season as a full-time starter since 2014, following the offseason trade of Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos.

“My vision was about playing in the NFL and being the best player that I could be,” Hamlin said. “But God’s plan was to have a purpose greater than any game in this world. … I have a long journey ahead, a journey full of unknowns and a journey full of milestones. But it’s a lot easier to face your fears when you know your purpose.”