HOUSTON: Quarterback Matt Ryan was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player after a landmark season in which he led the offence-minded Atlanta Falcons to an 11-5 record.
The 31-year-old Ryan garnered 25 votes to earn the NFL's most prestigious award at the ceremony in Houston, with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady finishing second (10 votes).
Ryan, who was not at the awards show since he was preparing to face Brady and the Patriots in Super Bowl 51 on Sunday, was also named the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year.
Playing in his ninth season, Ryan led all quarterbacks with a 117.1 passer rating and placed second in passing yards (4,944) and touchdowns (38).
MVP: Matt Ryan claimed the NFL's highest individual honour one day before the Super Bowl.Credit: AP
"I just want to say thank you, this is an incredible honour for me," Ryan, popularly known as "Matty Ice", said in a video acceptance speech for the MVP award.
Coach of the Year went to Jason Garrett of the Dallas Cowboys, whose team survived the pre-season loss through injury of their starting quarterback Tony Romo but went on to post a 13-3 record, win the NFC East and send six players to the Pro Bowl.
Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack was named Defensive Player of the Year for the first time, edging out Denver Broncos pass rusher Von Miller by one vote.
Defensive Rookie of the Year was defensive end Joey Bosa of the Los Angeles Chargers, while Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was named Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Comeback Player of the Year was Green Bay Packers receiver Jordy Nelson, who battled back from a torn ACL in his right knee that ruled him out of the entire 2015 season and went on to catch 97 passes for 1,257 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2016.
Larry Fitzgerald, wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, and Eli Manning, quarterback for the New York Giants, jointly received the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, given for having made a significant, positive impact on their respective communities.
Reuters