Kareem Hunt named 2017 PFWA Rookie of the Year
By Matt Conner
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt was named the NFL’s Rookie of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America.
It’s not the typical “Rookie of the Year” Award that you think of when the final awards are named, since those are known as the Associated Press Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year awards in the NFL. However, the first such Rookie of the Year award is out from the Pro Football Writers of America, and Kareem Hunt has been given the honor, a potential foretelling that Hunt might fare well in other such categories, too.
Hunt was the Kansas City Chiefs third round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft as a well-rounded running back from the University of Toledo. Former general manager John Dorsey moved up to pick Hunt via trade in the third round and later explained that he believed there was a significant drop off in talent in the draft after Hunt’s name came off the board from the running backs category.
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Dorsey’s instincts were proven correct from the outset as Hunt set a rookie record for most yards from scrimmage in a debut appearance with 256 yard against the New England Patriots of all teams. He went over 200 yards in two separate games and finished the year with the NFL’s rushing title. His rushing success was also proven to be key to the Chiefs fortunes all year long, and it’s clear that he’s going to be a key piece moving forward.
Hunt will likely vie with Alvin Kamara, another rookie running back from the New Orleans Saints, for the official AP Offensive ROY award when it is announced. Both players enjoyed incredible seasons and are deserving winners.
You can see the complete all-rookie team here from the PFWA.