HOUSTON — Matt Ryan was named NFL Most Valuable Player during the league’s prime-time awards show on the eve of Super Bowl LI on Saturday.
Ryan is the first MVP in Atlanta Falcons history.
At the helm of the No. 1 offense in the NFL, Ryan had 38 touchdown passes and seven interceptions, throwing for 4,944 yards with a 69.1 completion percentage for the Falcons (11-5).
Ryan was not present Saturday as the Falcons prepare for play the New England Patriots on Sunday at NRG Stadium.
“Matt is having an incredible year. Obviously, they’re here for a reason,” Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said this week. “They got great quarterback play, great leadership from him. I’m sure our guys are going to be facing a very stiff test on Sunday.”
Oakland Raiders pass rusher Khalil Mack unseated J.J. Watt as Defensive Player of the Year. Watt, who missed most of the season because of injury, was a presenter for the award.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, beating out teammate Ezekiel Elliott. Elliott came to the stage with Prescott as he accepted the award.
“Can we have a knife so I can cut this if half?” Prescott said, also thanking “the Great Wall of Dallas and the other 31 teams for passing up on me.”
Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa was named Defensive Rookie of the Year.