New Orleans, Louisiana (KNGT-FM) – The New Orleans Saints took a shot and a risk by drafting Tyler Shough in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, and that gamble paid off.

Thursday, it was announced that fans have voted Saints Quarterback Tyler Shough as the 2025 Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year. Now, this is just the fan award; the actual award, AP Rookie of the Year, will be announced during the NFL Honors.

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Tyler Shough Record-Setting Rookie Season

Shough became the Saints’ starting quarterback in Week 9 after Spencer Rattler started the season. Once Shough took over, the team played better and finished the season strong, going 4-1 in the final month.

Shough had one of the best rookie seasons in Saints history. He completed 221 of 337 passes for a 67.6% completion rate, the best among rookie quarterbacks. He threw for 2,384 yards and had a 91.3 passer rating, both second-best among rookies.

He also set rookie records for passing yards, passing touchdowns (10), and completion percentage.

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Saints Rookie To Win Rookie of the Year Honors

Only a few Saints players have won Rookie of the Year honors in franchise history. That list includes George Rogers (1981), Rueben Mayes (1986), LeCharles Bentley (2002), and Alvin Kamara and Marshon Lattimore (2017).

The other finalists included New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson, Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, and Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger.

AP Rookie of the Year Award To Be Announced During NFL Honors

The NFL will hold its annual NFL Honors awards show on Thursday Night in San Francisco. During the show, awards, including the AP Rookie of the Year, will be announced. The NFL Honors will air on NBC at 8:00.

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