Don't know why the author has been making the chapters so short.
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The NFL's annual awards were out, and without a doubt, Lance once again stood at the center of attention—every conversation seemed to orbit around him.
Two things were worth noting in the rookie award categories.
First, in the race for Offensive Rookie of the Year, Lance dominated effortlessly. The gap between him and the rest was insurmountable, though others still managed to secure votes.
In second place? Another Kansas City Chief—fellow rookie running back Kareem Hunt. That silenced critics who once questioned the team's decision to draft two rookie RBs. Turns out, the Chiefs knew exactly what they were doing.
Third place went to New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara, who received modest but respectable support. Fourth was Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. From the Heisman race to the NFL stage, Watson just couldn't escape Lance's shadow.
Brutal.
Then, came the truly jaw-dropping stat: in the voting for overall Rookie of the Year, Lance received all fifty votes—a unanimous sweep.
It was official: this rookie class was toast.
Top pick, second pick, fourth pick—all duds.
In a strange way, it was probably better this way. The media couldn't fixate on just one failed rookie—misery had company, and all the high picks clung together for warmth.
So many came in with confidence, eager to challenge Lance. Before they even realized what happened, their rookie seasons were already over. Regardless of what lies ahead, they'll never reclaim this year.
Finally—
Typically, the Offensive or Defensive Player of the Year becomes the MVP—splitting them up isn't common. But this year was different.
Lance, the young upstart from MMA who made a jaw-dropping transition into pro football, delivered an MVP-worthy season in his debut year. Dominant, explosive, irresistible—he made other rookies vanish in his shadow.
Flashback ten months to the NFL Draft: the usually conservative Chiefs shocked the world by taking Lance at No. 3 and Patrick Mahomes at No. 10. Everyone was baffled. Only one explanation made sense: their new GM, Brett Veach, had lost his mind.
But now, looking back?
When people can't see the full picture, they call the wise "madmen."
Still, that wasn't all. The league also handed out a variety of other awards—like Best Offensive/Defensive Unit, or the "Never Say Die" moment of the year—mostly about memorable plays or highlights.
Fun, but more like recaps than accolades.
After all—this is entertainment.
One award stood apart: the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.
This prestigious honor recognizes a player's charity and volunteer work. Established in 1970 and renamed in 1999 after Chicago Bears legend Walter Payton, it celebrates players who give back to their communities.
It's not the most "important" award in terms of football legacy. Players uninterested in NFLPA politics just show up, smile for the photos, and move on.
But look closer, and it's a measure of influence and respect—your network within the league.
This year's winner? J.J. Watt.
Despite missing most of another season due to injury, Watt remained the league's moral compass, a role model both on and off the field. This award cemented his status.
One award. One name. One spotlight.
In a league of over 2,000 players, there are only so many slices of the pie. If you didn't land a major award, there were still other places to shine—
Pro Bowl. All-Pro Teams.
The Pro Bowl is like the NFL's version of the NBA All-Star Game—skills competitions, an exhibition game, held annually in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The All-Pro First and Second Teams are more prestigious—essentially the best players at each position. These designations carry weight on a player's résumé. Pro Bowl appearances are nice, but All-Pro selections are elite.
Because only one player per position is selected for All-Pro honors, competition is fierce. Getting in means you're the best—no excuses.
Voting is split evenly into thirds: coaches, players, and fans.
While fan voting can skew results (prime-time stars often get more attention), adding coaches and player feedback keeps it fair.
For Kansas City, this Cinderella season was a triumph. Despite a mid-season six-game skid and some ugly wins, they battled through to the Super Bowl.
But award season? Different story.
The Chiefs only had four players selected.
All-Pro First Team (Offense): Lance (RB), Travis Kelce (TE)
All-Pro Second Team: Justin Houston (Defense), Tyreek Hill (Offense)
That's it.
For a Super Bowl team, that's shockingly low. Then again, the Eagles only had five total All-Pro selections. Both teams had surged through the season not with star-studded lineups, but with grit, chemistry, and execution.
It underscored a theme:
Teamwork over stardom.
No glamorous "superteam" rosters—just tightly knit squads grinding their way to the top.
And as the Super Bowl loomed, the uncertainty only grew.
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Powerstones?
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