KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Chiefs on Saturday announced running back Jamaal Charles as the team’s MVP, while cornerback Marcus Cooper took Rookie of the Year honors.
Dec 15, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) runs for a touchdown after catching a pass against the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Saturday’s announcement, as voted by teammates, marks the fourth time in five years Charles has been named the recipient of the Derrick Thomas Award.
The sixth-year pro out of Texas produced a regular season with 1,980 total yards from scrimmage (1,287 rushing, 693 receiving), which finished second in the league behind Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy.
Charles also established career highs in numerous areas, including yards from scrimmage, rushing touchdowns (12), total touchdowns (19), receptions (70), receiving yards (693) and receiving touchdowns (7). He became the first running back in team history to have four 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
Through the first eight games of the 2013 regular season, Charles totaled more than 100 scrimmage yards in each of the games and scored at least one touchdown in seven straight games to start the season.
Of note, Pro Football Hall of Famer O.J. Simpson is the only player in NFL history to record more games with 100 scrimmage yards and a touchdown.
Charles’ signature game occurred in Week 15 against the Oakland Raiders in record-setting fashion.
He scored five total touchdowns, becoming the first player in NFL history with at least four receiving touchdowns and one rushing score in a single game. Charles finished the game with 215 total yards, with 195 coming through the air on eight catches.
In recognition of his stellar regular-season production, The Associated Press named Charles an All-Pro, marking the second of his career, and he also earned his third Pro Bowl trip.
Oct 6, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Cooper (31) intercepts a pass intended for Tennessee Titans wide receiver Nate Washington (85) during the second half at LP Field. The Chiefs won 26-17. Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Meanwhile, Cooper earned the Mack Lee Hill Award as the team’s Rookie of the Year.
Cooper entered the league out of Rutgers as a seventh-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2013.
After being waived by the 49ers, the Chiefs claimed Cooper on Sept. 1 and he immediately became a mainstay on defense, appearing in all 16 regular season contests, including six starts.
The former Scarlet Knight established a team-record with 20 passes defensed.
On the season, Cooper recorded 41 tackles (38 solo), tied for second with three interceptions, forced a fumble and scored a special teams touchdown on a fumble recovery.
