Jets DL Sheldon Richardson believes he is Rookie of the Year
By Josh Sanchez
New York Jets defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson was one of the most impressive players on his team this season and was clearly one of the most impressive rookies that we saw in the league. Richardson was a force along New York’s defensive front and now he feels that he should be rewarded for his performance that he put forward in his first year in the league.
If Richardson was to have his way, he would be named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year for 2013.
“I am the defensive rookie of the year,” Richardson said, via Newsday. “That’s just how I feel. If anybody has an opinion about it, they can always state their opinion. It’s just me.”
Richardson is so confident that he deserves the honor that he says it should be an easy decision.
“Most definitely,” Richardson said. “It’s not even a question.”
There were a number of other rookies who had standout seasons, including Buffalo Bills linebacker Kiko Alonso and San Francisco 49ers safety Eric Reid, so it will be a closer vote than Richarson appears to be anticipating.
However, he should hang his hat on this season and continue to improve as he looks to become one of the best defensive linemen in the league.