If you thought the NFL poorly handled the Offensive Rookie of the Year presentation on Thursday night, you're not alone.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan took home the award after hauling in 70 passes for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns during his rookie season. NFL fans thought he was the right choice for Offensive Rookie of the Year. After all, he had the most touchdown receptions by any rookie this season.
So what's the problem? For some bizarre reason, the NFL had the father-in-law of New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough announce the winner. That led many to believe that Shough won the award.
"Why not have someone else come out and announce the award winner? Having Tyler Shough’s father-in-law announce McMillan as the winner is crazy," Rod Walker of The Times-Picayune said.
"Them having Shough father in law read the winner got me ngl," Saints content creator Jono Barnes said. "I thought Shough pulled off the upset."
"Why would they make Tyler Shough's father in law present the Rookie of the year award if TYLER SHOUGH DIDNT WIN," a Saints fan wrote on X.
"The NFL had Tyler Shough’s father-in-law announce Tetairoa McMillan as the winner of the Offensive Rookie of the Year over Tyler. This is an awful position to put someone in," MLFootball declared.
Shough didn't go home empty-handed.
Before the "NFL Honors" kicked off Thursday night, Shough was voted the Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year.
"I am truly humbled and honored to be chosen for this award," said Shough. "Coming in as a rookie, my goal was to do anything I could to contribute to our team's success. Whatever I was asked to do, I just wanted to help the team. This wouldn't be possible without all of my teammates and coaches giving everything they had each and every week to help us win. The award is truly a reflection of all of their hard work. I also want to say thank you to our amazing fans. Your unbelievable passion for the Saints and the city of New Orleans inspires all of us! I can't wait to see where we go from here!"
Shough finished his rookie season with 2,384 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and six interceptions. He completed 67.6% of his passes, which ranks third all-time among qualifyin rookies.