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Cardinals Awards For 2018

Larry Fitzgerald wins two categories, including Most Valuable Cardinal 

Photo illustration by Arizona Cardinals
Photo illustration by Arizona Cardinals

While the Cardinals' 2018 season did not go as hoped, there were still standout individual performances. Listed below are the results of the Cardinals' annual Digital Media Awards, as voted on by a 24-member panel.

Offensive Player of the Year: WR Larry Fitzgerald (15 votes)

Offensive Player of the Year: WR Larry Fitzgerald
Offensive Player of the Year: WR Larry Fitzgerald

Others receiving votes: WR Christian Kirk (6 votes); RB David Johnson (3 votes)

Fitzgerald's 2018 statistics: 69 catches, 734 yards, 6 TD

Voter takes on Fitzgerald: "Fitzgerald was the lifesaver on turbulent waters for rookie quarterback Josh Rosen, especially when rookie receiver Christian Kirk was placed on injured reserve with a broken foot. Fitzgerald took the offense on his shoulders and finished the season leading the team with 69 receptions and 734 yards. And of course, don't forget all the records he broke." – Gabriel Trujillo, Spanish radio play-by-play announcer

"Fitz's touchdown pass to David Johnson against the Rams was a microcosm of the offense this year: during a season when the offense struggled to produce, Larry Fitzgerald created several can't-miss plays and proved why he's one of football's best." – Sandy McAfee, digital platforms coordinator

"When in doubt, throw to Larry." – Javier Rodriguez, bilingual content producer

"In a year to forget, Larry Fitzgerald still produced plays to remember. The third-and-23 conversion at Green Bay was classic Fitz -- timely and jaw-dropping. However, Larry's first career touchdown pass to David Johnson was a play that will be remembered for years to come." – Jim Omohundro, senior manager/producer, broadcasting

Defensive Player of the Year: DE Chandler Jones (13.5 votes)

Defensive Player of the Year: DE Chandler Jones
Defensive Player of the Year: DE Chandler Jones

Others receiving votes: CB Patrick Peterson (7 votes); DT Rodney Gunter (2 votes); S Antoine Bethea (1 vote); S Budda Baker (0.5 votes).

Jones' 2018 statistics: 13 sacks, three forced fumbles, 54 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, one fumble recovery

Voter takes on Jones: "Even though the Cards defense wasn't in the requisite number of third-and-obvious pass situations due to the disaster year of rush defense, Chandler Jones still posted 13 sacks and was the pressure-monster we know him to be. Impressive numbers from a guy that wasn't getting a lot of help from his peers." – Ron Wolfley, former player/radio analyst

"Despite seeing more attention from opposing offenses, Jones still managed to lead the team in sacks, quarterback pressures and quarterback hits, while finishing tied for first in tackles for loss. No one can disrupt an offense quite like Jones. – Craig Grialou, digital content coordinator

"Did more to impact the opponents' game plan (against more attention) than any player on the AZ D. Not only finished top-10 in sacks but consistently shouted 'BBQ Chicken' after making plays, which Chandler still won't explain!" -- Paul Calvisi, radio sideline reporter/host

Newcomer of the Year: Christian Kirk (20 votes)

Newcomer of the Year: WR Christian Kirk
Newcomer of the Year: WR Christian Kirk

Others receiving votes: C Mason Cole (2 votes); S Tre Boston (1 vote); QB Josh Rosen (1 vote)

Kirk's 2018 statistics: 43 catches, 590 yards, 3 TD; three rushes for 35 yards in 12 games

Voter takes on Kirk: "The hometown kid proved to be a key piece to the future here in Arizona. The connection between him and Rosen was fun to watch and something to look forward to for years to come. Kirk had the third-most yards and second-most catches among rookie receivers when his season ended in Green Bay. You have to love a story like his, growing up in the Valley and playing alongside one of his idols, Larry Fitzgerald." – Lisa Matthews, multimedia producer/reporter

"Kirk provided big-play ability for the offense and the return game. He proved to be Josh Rosen's go-to receiver." – Brandon Naidus, social media manager

"Christian was the sparkplug of the offense. He was the only player that consistently made the chunk plays the team needed. He brought excitement and energy to that side of the ball and everyone noticed that was missing once he was injured." – Grant Greeley, broadcast coordinator/producer

"Brought polish and much-needed life to a depleted WR room." – Rob Fredrickson, former player/radio analyst

Beyond the Box Score Player of the Year: DT Corey Peters (7.5 votes)

Beyond the Box Score Player of the Year: DT Corey Peters
Beyond the Box Score Player of the Year: DT Corey Peters

Others receiving votes: P Andy Lee (7 votes); C Mason Cole (5 votes); S Antoine Bethea (2.5 votes); CB Patrick Peterson (1 vote); DT Rodney Gunter (1 vote).

Peters' 2018 statistics: 51 tackles, 2½ sacks, nine tackles for loss

Voter takes on Peters: "Corey Peters doesn't always fill up the box score but is the glue of the defense and one of the top leaders in the locker room." – Mike Jurecki, digital content coordinator

"Peters showed leadership in the locker room and when speaking to the media. He also was arguably the most consistent player in the middle of the defense." Tim DeLaney, vice president of broadcasting/digital content

"Not only demanded accountability as a team captain, but after the win at SF, the analytic pocket protector dudes deduced that when No. 98 was on the field, the Niners averaged just over three yards per carry. When Peters was off the field, SF averaged more than eight yards per carry. 'Nuff said." –Calvisi

Play of the Year: Josh Rosen to Larry Fitzgerald on third-and-23 in Green Bay (11 votes)

Play of the Year: Larry Fitzgerald's third-and-23 catch in Green Bay
Play of the Year: Larry Fitzgerald's third-and-23 catch in Green Bay

Others receiving votes: Fitzgerald TD pass to David Johnson (7 votes); Kirk 75-yard TD catch in SF (2 votes); Fitzgerald's first touchdown spike (1 vote); Fitzgerald trucks Kazee (1 vote); Johnson TD vs. Redskins (1 vote); Kirk game-winning TD vs. SF (1 vote)

Voter takes on Rosen-to-Fitz: "Deep in their own territory on third-and-23 at one of the toughest places to win on the road, the Cards gambled on their rookie QB who had almost just thrown an interception. He gave his Hall of Fame wide receiver a chance to pull off another amazing feat and Fitz delivered with a diving catch that inspired the Cards to pull off the biggest win of the year." -- Richard Mendez, senior manager/producer, broadcasting

"The Green Bay win was the highlight of the season. That puts Larry Fitzgerald's third-and-23 catch at the top. The win in Green Bay was the Cards' first there since 1949. Fitz's TD pass has to be No. 2." -- Jody Jackson, reporter/host

"The most impressive win of the year was earned on the Frozen Tundra in Green Bay. Fitz saved the day and kept the winning drive alive by laying it all on the line for Rosen's roll-out bomb." -- Jonathan Hayward, senior producer, broadcasting

Most Valuable Cardinal: WR Larry Fitzgerald (9 votes)

Most Valuable Cardinal: WR Larry Fitzgerald
Most Valuable Cardinal: WR Larry Fitzgerald

Others receiving votes: DE Chandler Jones (8 votes); CB Patrick Peterson (4 votes); P Andy Lee (2 votes): RB David Johnson (1 vote)

Voter takes on Fitzgerald: "Larry Legend gave fans a reason to cheer all season and continue to have hope on Sundays. In his 15th NFL season, his stats took a dip, but no one could invigorate a fanbase and a crowd like No. 11." – Hayward

"Peterson and Jones are still in their prime and arguably better football players. But in a lost season, when fans were seeking something to root for, the sight of Fitz still doing it – and often, working so hard at the end of a bad loss like his career depended upon it – was something to behold." Darren Urban, senior manager, digital content/senior writer

"Larry Fitzgerald sets a great example for all of his teammates. He goes about his business professionally and that was evident despite the poor record. The wide receiver position was so banged up and inexperienced. He was even more valuable helping stabilize the position by mentoring young guys like Kirk and (Trent) Sherfield." – Jackson

"Fifteen years strong and still makes important plays on the field. Que mas quieres papa? (What more do you want?)" – Rolando Cantu, former player/Spanish radio analyst

Cardinals Awards Voting Breakdown

Table inside Article
Name Title Offensive POY Defensive POY Newcomer of the Year Beyond Box Score POY Play of the Year Most Valuable Cardinal
Jesse Aranda Social Media Coordinator Kirk Jones Kirk Lee Kirk GW TD vs. SF Jones
Bertrand Berry Former Player/Radio Analyst Fitzgerald Gunter Kirk Lee Kirk 75-yard TD at SF Peterson
Paul Calvisi Radio Sideline Reporter/Host Fitzgerald Jones Kirk Peters Fitz's first spike Peterson
Rolando Cantu Former Player/Spanish Radio Analyst Fitzgerald Gunter Kirk Cole Johnson TD vs. WAS Fitzgerald
Tim DeLaney VP Broadcast/Digital Content Fitzgerald Peterson Kirk Peters Fitz catch on 3rd-and-23 in GB Jones
Rob Fredrickson Former Player/Analyst Kirk Jones/Baker Kirk Peters Fitz catch on 3rd-and-23 in GB Fitzgerald
Grant Greeley Broadcast Coordinator/Producer Fitzgerald Peterson Kirk Peters Fitz TD throw to Johnson Fitzgerald
Craig Grialou Digital Content Coordinator Johnson Jones Kirk Lee Fitz TD throw to Johnson Jones
Jonathan Hayward Senior Producer/Broadcasting Fitzgerald Jones Kirk Cole Fitz catch on 3rd-and-23 in GB Fitzgerald
Jody Jackson Reporter/Host Fitzgerald Peterson Kirk Bethea Fitz catch on 3rd-and-23 in GB Fitzgerald
Mike Jurecki Digital Content Coordinator Fitzgerald Peterson Kirk Peters Fitz catch on 3rd-and-23 in GB Johnson
Lisa Matthews Multimedia Producer/Reporter Fitzgerald Peterson Kirk Peters Fitz catch on 3rd-and-23 in GB Jones
Sandy McAfee Digital Platforms Coordinator Fitzgerald Jones Kirk Cole Fitz catch on 3rd-and-23 in GB Fitzgerald
Richard Mendez Senior Manager/Producer, Broadcasting Johnson Jones Kirk Cole Fitz catch on 3rd-and-23 in GB Fitzgerald
Brandon Naidus Manager, Social Media Kirk Jones Kirk Peterson Fitz TD throw to Johnson Lee
Dan Nettles Broadcast Editor/Coordinator Kirk Jones Kirk Lee Fitz catch on 3rd-and-23 in GB Fitzgerald
Kyle Odegard Staff Writer Kirk Jones Kirk Peters Kirk 75-yard TD at SF Peterson
Jim Omohundro Senior Manager/Producer, Broadcasting Fitzgerald Jones Kirk Cole Fitz TD throw to Johnson Fitzgerald
Dave Pasch Radio Play-by-Play Fitzgerald Jones Rosen Gunter Fitz catch on 3rd-and-23 in GB Peterson
Javier Rodriguez Bilingual Content Producer Fitzgerald Peterson Kirk Bethea Fitz catch on 3rd-and-23 in GB Jones
Jackson Sipes Digital Graphics Coordinator Kirk Jones Boston Lee Fitz TD throw to Johnson Jones
Gabriel Trujillo Spanish Radio Play-by-Play Fitzgerald Bethea Cole Lee Fitz TD throw to Johnson Jones
Darren Urban Senior Writer Fitzgerald Peterson Kirk Bethea/Peters Fitz TD throw to Johnson Fitzgerald
Ron Wolfley Former Player/Radio Analyst Johnson Jones Cole Lee Fitz trucks Kazee Jones

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