Nick Bosa is hoping to earn a different award tomorrow, but the San Francisco 49ers rookie defensive end was announced as the winner of another prestigious award today. It's one that he has sought since the 49ers drafted him No. 2 overall last April.
Bosa has been named the NFL's AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, according to Albert Breer of The MMQB. His father accepted the award on his behalf.
AP Defensive Rookie of the Year: 49ers DE Nick Bosa. Third Ohio State player in 4 years to win that award.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 1, 2020
"Obviously a proud dad," John Bosa said while accepting the award during NFL Honors. "Nick wanted me to thank the entire York family, John Lynch and the front office, amazing coaches and most important his wonderful teammates. Go Niners"
Bosa's brother, defensive end Joey Bosa of the Los Angeles Rams, won the same award following the 2016 season.
"[Winning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year] has been a goal since I came to the league," Bosa said during Super Bowl LIV Opening Night on Monday. "I wanted to be the best player in my class or thought of as the best player in my class. It would mean a lot to get that one, for sure."
Bosa won the award by a landslide, earning 43 votes according to Anthony Galaviz of the Fresno Bee. The next-closest vote-getter was Maxx Crosby of the Oakland Raiders, who earned four votes.
AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting:
Nick Bosa, #49ers 43
— Anthony Galaviz (@agalaviz_TheBee) February 1, 2020
Maxx Crosby, #Raiders 4
Devin Bush, #Steelers 2
Josh Allen, #Jaguars 1
Bosa racked up 47 tackles, nine sacks, two passes defensed, an interception, and a forced fumble during the regular season. His sack total ranked third among rookies, behind just Josh Allen of the Jacksonville Jaguars (10.5) and the Raiders' Crosby (10).
Bosa added three more sacks in the playoffs, increasing his season and career total to 12. He got to both Kirk Cousins (twice) and Aaron Rodgers.
Bosa earned a selection to the Pro Bowl and set a rookie franchise record with 16 tackles for a loss. His seven sacks to start the season tied for the second-most by a player in his first seven games since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic.
During the 49ers' Week 8 win over the Carolina Panthers, Bosa joined Julius Peppers and Kevin Williams as the only rookies to record at least three sacks and an interception in a single game since 1982.
Bosa finished the regular season with the third-highest pressure percentage and fourth-highest pass-rush win percentage among rookies. His 18 quarterback hits were the second-most by a rookie, behind just Von Miller of the Denver Broncos, who had 21 in 2011.
Tomorrow, Bosa will seek his first Super Bowl championship. He and his 49ers will face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
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