Lions Defensive Lineman Aidan Hutchinson Named NFL’s Rookie of the Year

Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson has been named the NFL’s rookie of the year this morning. The NFL announced the news in a press release today.

Last year, Hutchinson was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. The former second-overall pick set the NFL record for sacks in a season by a rookie this year.

“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,” said Hutchinson. “Considering some of the past Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year winners, taking home this award feels surreal. 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. I am ready to start the offseason and get out there for an even better season next year.”

Aidan Hutchinson was a beast this season for the Lions, and we saw that twice in Chicago, especially in the second game.

Hutchinson led all rookies with 9.5 sacks in his first season in Detroit. He also became the first rookie since 1982 with at least nine sacks and three interceptions (one of which was against Justin Fields). Hutchinson was a breakout performer from the jump, making his presence felt with a three-sack performance in Week 2.

Hutchinson beat out Sauce Gardner (NYJ), Garrett Wilson (NJY), Chris Olave (NO), Tariq Woolen (SEA), and Kenneth Walker III (SEA) for the award.

You can check out all of Hutchinson’s top highlights from the 2022 season below courtesy of the Detroit Lions: