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Saints troll NFL about Michael Thomas’ Rookie of the Year nominee snub
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In his first year in the NFL, Michael Thomas made the New Orleans Saints look smart for stealing him in middle of the second round.
The former Buckeye was the most productive rookie receiver in the NFL by a long shot. Not only did he lead rookie receivers in catches and yards, he also set some franchise rookie records.
Thomas’ 92 catches for 1,137 yards and nine touchdowns were all Saints rookie records. Some thought that would make Thomas a candidate for NFL Rookie of the Year.
But the NFL announced its five finalists for the award on Tuesday and Thomas wasn’t one of them.
The Saints shared their displeasure with that decision on Twitter:
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 17, 2017
Most receptions in a season by a rookie in NFL history:
1.) 101 – Anquan Boldin (2003)
2.) 92 – @Cantguardmike (2016)— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 17, 2017
Thomas didn’t get the same love that his Buckeye teammates did throughout the regular season. Joey Bosa and Ezekiel Elliott were sure-fire nominees for the award, as was Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
The most surprising nominee was Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz. After a promising start, Wentz and the Eagles finished 7-9 in last place. Wentz threw 16 touchdown passes and 14 interceptions for the No. 24 passing attack in the NFL.
Oddly enough, though, the NFL felt that stacked up better than Thomas’ impressive rookie season.
Connor O'Gara is the senior national columnist for Saturday Tradition. He's a member of the Football Writers Association of America. After spending his entire life living in B1G country, he moved to the South in 2015.