Sheldon Richardson wins NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year

Dec 29, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson (91) reacts during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

The NFL Honors award ceremony is currently taking place, and New York Jets defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson is the latest player to take some hardware. After an impressive debut in the NFL, Richardson has been named the 2013 Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Richardson said after the season that he was the most deserving player to earn the title and it looks like he was right.

In order to stake his claim as the top NFL defensive rookie, Richardson beat out Buffalo Bills linebacker Kiko Alonso, Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, New Orleans Saints safety Kenny Vaccaro and Arizona Cardinals defensive back Tyrann Mathieu.

Alonso finished second place in the voting.

Richardson ranked second among 3-4 defensive ends this season with an impressive 41 stops. Only Houston Texans star J.J. Watt was able to record more.

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