The Los Angeles Rams announced Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp and Joe Noteboom as the winners of the 2023 team awards, which are voted on by all of the players annually.
Stafford received the Daniel F. Reeves Memorial Award, given to the team’s most valuable player.
In 15 games this season, Stafford had completed 62.6 percent of his passes for 3,965 yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He ranks sixth in the NFL in passing despite missing a game and will fall just short of his 10th career 4,000-yard passing season with Sean McVay deciding to rest Stafford in Week 18.
Stafford has played a huge role in the Rams’ turnaround, going 6-1 since he return from a thumb injury, In that time, he has 16 touchdowns compared to just four interceptions. Simply put, the Rams would not be anywhere close to where they are right now without Stafford play and leadership, making him the perfect recipient of the Daniel F. Reeves Memorial Award.
Nacua earned the Carroll Rosenbloom Memorial Award, given to the team’s rookie of the year.
This was a difficult award to pick considering the Rams have gotten contributions from so many rookies, notable Kobie Turner, Byron Young and Steve Avila.
Nacua is on the verge of making history though as the NFL’s all-time rookie reception and receiving yards leader, making him the perfect winner of the Carroll Rosenbloom Memorial Award.
In 16 games, Nacua has 101 receptions for 1,445 yards and five touchdowns. No one could have seen this coming after the Rams drafted Nacua in the fifth round in 2023 out of BYU, but he has already established himself as one of the best receivers in the league.
Kupp received the Carl Ekern Spirit of the Game Award, given to the player who best exemplifies sportsmanship, ethic and commitment to his teammates.
This is another award that makes sense due to Kupp’s contributions in the organization both on and off the field. Kupp has been limited to 12 games this season after suffering a hamstring injury in training camp but he still has 59 catches for 737 yards and five touchdowns.
He is the Rams’ nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, continuing to do outstanding work in the local community. Kupp has also been a great team leader for the Rams’ young roster, notably mentoring Nacua through his historic rookie season.
Noteboom was voted by his teammates as the Ed Block Courage Award recipient, given to a player who is a role model of inspiration, sportsmanship and courage.
This season has not been an easy one for Noteboom, who signed a lucrative extension to be the Rams’ left tackle after Andrew Whitworth retired.
Noteboom came into this season without a true starting spot though and instead of pouting and asking out, he has maintained an outstanding attitude and has been a great fill in on the offensive line at multiple positions when other guys have been injured. Noteboom is clearly a favorite within the Rams locker room, and it’s easy to see why.
Rams players named to Pro Bowl
In addition to team awards, some Rams players were also recently named to the NFL Pro Bowl. Among those who made the cut were Stafford, Nacua, Kyren Williams and Aaron Donald.
Ben Skowronek could also make it after being named an alternate at the special teams position.
