Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
After a stellar, though abbreviated, 2025 rookie season, New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough is one of six finalists for the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year award.
Unlike the AP award, this award recognizes the top rookie in a class regardless of which side of the ball they man. While the AP Rookie of the Year honors (offensive and defensive) are recognized as the official awards by the league, the NFL hosts voting for the Pepsi-branded award.
The key difference between the two is that the Pepsi Rookie of the Year honor is decided by fan vote, unlike its AP counterpart.
The other five finalists are New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson, New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan and Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger.
Shough was named the NFL Rookie of the Month for his impressive December/January performances, including leading the Saints to just their third undefeated December in franchise history.
In his 11 game appearances (nine starts), the rookie quarterback completed 221 of his 327 passing attempts (67.6%), throwing for 2,384 passing yards, 10 passing touchdowns and six interceptions. He led two comeback victories and added a trio of rushing touchdowns.
Voting is currently open on the NFL’s website and will remain open through January 30.
