2023 NFL Award Winners: A recap of the top awards and honors

The 2023 NFL Honors have come and gone, with the league's best players being honored for their magnificent performances. The night saw an array of wholesome moments, such as a speech by Damar Hamlin, players singing along with host Kelly Clarkson and so much more. So, kindly join us as we recap the night's happenings, one that will long be in our memories.

The 2023 NFL award winners: A Recap

MVP: Patrick Mahomes, quarterback, Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes won the 2023 NFL Award's biggest prize, and it was never in doubt that the Kansas City Chiefs' shot caller would take home the prize. The future Hall of Famer was electric this season, and his excellence has helped guide the Chiefs to yet another Super Bowl.

Mahomes passed for 5,250 yards, 41 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Simply put, no other player stood a chance.

Offensive Player of the Year: Justin Jefferson, wide receiver, Minnesota Vikings

Justin Jefferson did the Griddy all over opposing teams' end zones this season, and there was no stopping this third-year offensive weapon from LSU. The Minnesota Vikings wide receiver was in another stratosphere as he regularly flirted with receiving records from Week One.

Jefferson is a major reason why the Vikings looked so good all season long, and it is frankly scary that he's this good in Year Three.

Jefferson had 128 catches, 1,809 yards and eight touchdowns, and he was better than every wideout this season. Just look at his accolades, and you'll understand the Randy Moss comparisons.

Defensive Player of the Year: Nick Bosa, defensive end, San Francisco 49ers

Nick Bosa might have yet to achieve his aim of playing in the Super Bowl this season, but at least he added an illustrious accolade to his impressive collection, winning the Defensive Player of the Year Award. The second of the Bosa brothers was the NFL's sack leader, and he terrorized opposing quarterbacks any chance he got.

While 18.5 sacks is no joke, the scary part is that he isn't even close to hitting his prime.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Garrett Wilson, wide receiver, New York Jets

The New York Jets offense blew hot and cold all season, but one offensive player who hardly faltered was Garrett Wilson. Wilson was drafted with the 10th pick, and it's clear that the Jets struck gold with the pick.

The Ohio State University product took the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award after putting up a stat line of 83 catches, 1,103 yards and four touchdowns.

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Sauce Gardner, cornerback, New York Jets

What more can we say about Sauce Gardner that hasn't already been said? The New York Jets have the best CB of his generation on their roster, and he will only get better. Gardner capped up an amazing rookie season with the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award to add to his All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections.

He achieved this feat by outplaying every rookie and veteran at the cornerback position. Some call him the new Deion Sanders, others the new Jalen Ramsey, but he might be the first Sauce Gardner, the best cornerback in the NFL today.

Other honors handed out at the NFL Honors:

Coach of the Year: New York Giants, Brian Daboll

Comeback Player of the Year: Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith

Walter Payton Man of the Year: Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott

AP Assistant Coach of the Year: San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans

Moment of the Year: Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson's catch vs. Bills

Players of the Year: Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow, Raiders RB Josh Jacobs

Salute to Service Award: Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera

Bud Light Celly of the Year: Cincinnati Bengals roller-coaster celebration in Week 18

NFL Fan of the Year: Larry Bevans, Seattle Seahawks

Sack Leader Award: San Francisco 49ers DE Nick Bosa

Sportsmanship Award: Baltimore Ravens DL Calais Campbell

Angry Run of the Year: Houston Texans RB Dameon Pierce vs. Jaguars

Jim Brown Award (Rushing Leader): Las Vegas Raiders RB Josh Jacobs

Head and Shoulders Never Not Working Protection Play of the Year: San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle vs. Cowboys

Who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame at the awards ceremony?

The 2023 NFL Honors also saw a stellar group get inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Here are the nine legendary names:

1. Ronde Barber (cornerback)

2. Darrelle Revis (cornerback)

3. Joe Thomas (offensive tackle)

4. Zach Thomas (linebacker)

5. DeMarcus Ware (linebacker)

6. Don Coryell (coach/contributor)

7. Chuck Howley (linebacker, senior inductee)

8. Joe Klecko (defensive lineman, senior inductee)

9. Ken Riley (cornerback, senior inductee)