Former Gator Percy Harvin Named NFL Rookie of the Year
Wednesday, January 6, 2010 | Football
Former Florida Gator All-American Percy Harvin was named the Associated Press 2009 National Football League Offensive Rookie of the Year, as announced by the league on Wednesday. The announcement comes just days after Harvin became the 19th Gator in school history to be named to the Pro Bowl.
Harvin joins Emmitt Smith and Jevon Kearse as the only other Gators to be bestowed the honor of Rookie of the Year. Smith took home the offensive honor in 1990 as a running back for the Dallas Cowboys, while Kearse received the defensive nod as a defensive end with the Tennessee Titans in 1999.
The Minnesota Vikings' wide receiver/kick returner received 41 votes from the nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the league. Baltimore tackle Michael Oher was second with six votes. Linebacker Brian Cushing of the Houston Texans was named the Associated Press 2009 Defensive Rookie of the Year.
The 22nd overall draft pick out of Florida, Harvin had 60 receptions for 790 yards and six touchdowns; rushed 15 times for 135 yards; and returned 42 kickoffs for 1,156 yards (27.5 per) and two touchdowns, one covering 101 yards. He tied with the Indianapolis Colts' Austin Collie for most catches by a rookie and set Minnesota's single-season franchise record for all-purpose yardage with 2,081.
Harvin is the sixth Vikings player to win the award, joining Adrian Peterson (2007), Randy Moss (1998), Sammy White (1976), Chuck Foreman (1973) and Paul Flatley (1963).
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