NFL’s Top Awards Swept by Former Texas High School Players

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Texans believe their state is home to the best high school football in the country, and it’s hard to argue that after last night’s NFL awards ceremony.

The league’s top three awards all went to former Texas high school football stars, highlighted by Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford being named MVP.

Stafford, who won a state title at Dallas Highland Park in 2005, won his first MVP award at the age of 37. He led the NFL in passing yards (4,707) and touchdowns (46) with only eight interceptions while guiding the Rams to the NFC Championship Game.

The Offensive MVP was Seattle wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, where he posted a ridiculous senior season in 2019 with 104 catches for 2,094 yards and 35 TDs.

Just six years later, Smith-Njigba is now arguably the best WR in the NFL. This season, he had 119 catches and set a franchise record with 1,793 yards with 10 TDs.

Smith-Njigba and the Seahawks will play the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60 on Sunday.

Finally, the Defensive MVP award went to Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, who set a new single-season record with 23 sacks, while adding 60 tackles, 33 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles.

Garrett played high school football at Arlington Martin, where his team defeated San Angelo Central in the second round of the playoffs his sophomore year.

Other NFL award recipients included Carolina WR Tet McMillan (Offensive Rookie of the Year), Cleveland LB Carson Schwesinger (Defensive Rookie of the Year), Chicago guard Joe Thuney (Protector of the Year), San Francisco RB Christian McCaffrey (Comeback Player of the Year), New England’s Mike Vrabel (Coach of the Year) and New England’s Josh McDaniels (Assistant Coach of the Year).