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Running back Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions is congratulated by tight ends Brock Wright (89) and Sam LaPorta (right) following a 2-yard rushing score in the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, in Detroit, against the Chicago Bears.The Associated Press’s Duane Burleson

ALLEN PARK — Their rookie class has helped the Detroit Lions capture an NFC North crown and their first postseason victory in over thirty years. And as finalists for the NFL’s fan-voted rookie of the year award, Sam LaPorta and Jahmyr Gibbs are two of those rookies who are receiving some well-deserved national recognition.

Fans can vote for the “Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year” until Friday, February 2, although it’s not the major, official year-end award. This is according to a league news release.

Based on “their outstanding performances” as well as the outcomes of the year’s fan-voted weekly honours, the NFL said the six finalists were chosen. Along with LaPorta and Gibbs, the other contenders are quarterback C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans), receiver Puka Nacua (Los Angeles Rams), running back Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons), and running back De’Von Achane (Miami Dolphins).

As one of the next generation’s breakout quarterbacks, Stroud has solidified his status. After the Texans defeated the Cleveland Browns in the wild-card round, he is still active. With 1,486 yards, Nacua established the league record for yards in a rookie season. And he caught nine catches for 181 yards and one touchdown against the Lions, putting up one hell of a fight.

With 945 running yards, Gibbs ranked second among all rookies and led all first-year players with 10 touchdowns gained on the ground. Achane came in second in terms of rushing touchdowns, but Robinson topped in yards. This season, Gibbs has played a significant role in Detroit’s offence, developing as a running back and demonstrating that he is much more than just an explosive playmaker.

Six of the last seven games have featured rushing touchdowns for the first-round rookie running back, including Detroit’s 24-23 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round. In his postseason debut, Gibbs added four catches for 43 yards as well.

And regarding LaPorta, what more is there to say?

After impressing during the offseason programme, the second-round tight end showed almost instant chemistry with starter quarterback Jared Goff. That resulted in what was maybe the best rookie campaign ever for a tight end—at least in the contemporary period. LaPorta hauled in 86 passes for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns by the end of the season. For rookie tight ends, that set an all-time record with 86 catches. He also rewrote the team record book, which included some pretty great names—Hall of Famer Charlie Sanders and T.J. Hockenson, to name a couple—sprinkled throughout it.