Hutchinson Named 2022 Pepsi NFL Rookie Of The Year

Michigan fans are well aware of the greatness that comes with the man wearing No. 97, and now the NFL world is aware of it too.

It's official: Fans have voted Aidan Hutchinson as the 2022 Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year. Hutchinson led all rookies with 9.5 sacks and 3 interceptions during the 2022 season - becoming the first player since 1982 to achieve over nine sacks and 3 interceptions in their rookie season. 

“There were so many talented players in this rookie class, so it’s quite an honor for me to be named the 2022 Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year,” Hutchinson said in a press release . “Considering some of the past Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year winners, taking home this award feels surreal, and I want to thank all the fans who believed in me and voted for me. It is amazing to see the support from fans week after week, and I am ready to start the offseason and get out there for an even better season next year.”

Such an honor to be named the 2022 @Pepsi Zero Sugar @NFL Rookie of the Year. To my teammates, coaches, family, friends, and most importantly the fans, your support means to much to me. Couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you 🙏🏼#PepsiROTY #OnePride pic.twitter.com/bl3PFCZa6G

— Aidan Hutchinson (@aidanhutch97) February 9, 2023

Hutchinson was one six finalists up for the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year award, beating out Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner, Saints wide receiver Chris Olave, Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker, Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson and Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen. 

The No. 2 overall pick in 2022 NFL Draft helped lead the Lions to a 9-8 record, culminating in a massive road win against the Packers in the final week of the regular season. Detroit finished with the second best record in the NFC North Division and, although they narrowly missed the playoffs, there's already plenty of optimism surrounding the Lions heading into next season.