Percy Harvin & Brian Cushing Win Rookie of the Year Honors

Just a year ago, Percy Harvin and Brian Cushing were college football stars at Florida and USC, respectively. They have carried that success over to the National Football League and have been rewarded for their early success.

Harvin, who was selected Offensive Rookie of the Year, was drafted 22nd overall by the Minnesota Vikings. In his rookie campaign, the explosive play-maker hauled in 60 catches for 790 yards and 6 touchdowns. Harvin also found success on special teams where he averaged 27.5 yards and had 2 TDs on 42 kickoff returns.

The Vikings rookie sensation received 41 of the possible 50 votes. Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Michael Oher placed second with 6 votes. Others receiving votes included Mike Wallace (Steelers), Knowshon Moreno (Broncos), and Jeremy Maclin (Eagles).

Texan linebacker Brian Cushing was a tackling machine in his first-year as a pro. Cushing totaled 133 tackles as well as five sacks, four interceptions and two forced fumbles. He was selected 15th overall in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Cushings teammate, DeMeco Ryans, earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2006. When speaking of Cushing, Ryans said, “Brian is a special player. I saw when he first stepped on the field that he could be a special player for us. Just to watch him grow week in and week out, I’m just so proud of him. He’s like my little brother out there. I’m always out there talking to him about how we can be great as a unit. I say it to him every week, ‘Let’s go out and be great and be the best linebackers in the league’ and that’s our motto and that’s our goal.”

Cushing received 39 of the 50 votes. Others receiving votes were Buffalo Bills safety Jairus Byrd (6), Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews III (3), and Washington Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo (2).