Aidan Hutchinson wins Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year

Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson has won a Rookie of the Year award, as fans came out and voted for him as Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year.

Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is among the finalists for Defensive Rookie of the Year, to be announced on Thursday night at NFL Honors. On Thursday morning it was announced he has won Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year.

Seperate from the formal, official AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award, “Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year” is a fan-voted award. So Lions fans, and other fans around the league, showed out and voted for Hutchinson

Hutchinson was up against New York Jets cornerback Ahmad “Sauce’ Gardner, New Orlean Saints wide receiver Chris Olave, Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen and Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker. He is the third defensive player to win the award, joining Nick Bosa (2019) and Ndamukong Suh (2010).

Aidan Hutchinson wins Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year

Via a press release, via Pride of Detroit, here’s what Hutchinson had to saw about winning.

"There were so many talented players in this rookie class, so it’s quite an honor for me to be named the 2022 Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year,” “Considering some of the past Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year winners, taking home this award feels surreal, and I want to thank all the fans who believed in me and voted for me. It is amazing to see the support from fans week after week, and I am ready to start the offseason and get out there for an even better season next yea"

Hutchinson led all rookies with 9.5 sacks, to go with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries. From Week 11-18, as a real sign of his growth, he was Pro Football Focus’ third-highest graded edge defender. For the season, only one edge rusher in the league (Maxx Crosby) played more snaps.