Aidan Hutchinson, former Michigan star, wins Rookie of the Year honors
Aidan Hutchinson won the NFL’s 2022 Rookie of the Year award, the league announced on Thursday morning.
Hutchinson becomes just the 3rd defensive player to win the honor. He joins former Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa and ex-Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.
.@Lions DL @aidanhutch97 has been named the 2022 Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year.
In the 21-year history of the award, Hutchinson becomes just the 3rd defensive player to win, joining:
– 49ers DE Nick Bosa (2019)
– Lions DT Ndamukong Suh (2010)#OnePride pic.twitter.com/OfhcfSgaWb— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) February 9, 2023
“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,” Hutchinson said in a press release. “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 year.”
Hutchinson was an immediate impact player for the Lions in 2022. He recorded 52 tackles, 9.5 sacks and 15 quarterback hits during his rookie campaign. He also picked off 3 passes and recovered 2 fumbles.
He was selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He was Michigan’s highest draft pick since Jake Long went No. 1 overall in the 2008 NFL Draft.
The Lions went 9-8 in 2022, marking their best season since 2017. The franchise has not won double-digit games in a season since 2014.
Hutchinson and the Lions are expected to compete for the playoff berth again in 2023.