The New Orleans Saints' young quarterback, Tyler Shough, has earned a significant accolade in his first NFL year. The 26-year-old was recently declared the Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year, an award decided by football fans across the league. This recognition, announced just hours before the main NFL Honors event, is distinct from the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year, which is judged by 50 sports journalists.
Shough's Stunning Debut Earns Top Rookie Honor
This achievement highlights Shough's remarkable debut season, a true turnaround story for the New Orleans Saints. He didn't begin as the team's starting signal-caller but took over in Week 8, replacing Spencer Rattler. His entry dramatically shifted the team's performance and trajectory.
A Season of Transformation for the Saints
Once Shough became the primary quarterback, the New Orleans team concluded their season with an impressive 5-4 record over the final nine games. During this period, he completed nearly 69% of his passes, averaging about 250 passing yards per contest. Shough also threw 10 touchdowns, tallied three rushing scores, and had six interceptions.
What makes his performance even more commendable are the significant obstacles the Saints faced. The squad battled numerous injuries, impacting key offensive players like Alvin Kamara and Rashid Shaheed, who missed game time. The team also had to rely heavily on several practice squad members during the latter half of the season.
Leadership Beyond Rookie Status
Despite these hurdles, Shough demonstrated exceptional composure in the pocket, made smart decisions, and displayed leadership qualities far beyond what's expected of a rookie. He shared his appreciation in a team statement:
"Itโs truly an honor to receive this recognition from the fans. I owe it all to my amazing teammates and coaches who supported me every step of the way this season."
From Draft Doubts to Fan Favorite
When the Saints chose Shough as the 40th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the decision was met with some skepticism. Many observers felt the team might have selected a quarterback too early in the draft.
In his inaugural NFL season, Shough completed 67.6% of his passes for a total of 2,384 yards. While these statistics might not have topped the league, his influence on the team was undeniable. He was instrumental in converting a struggling Saints roster into a competitive unit, instilling renewed hope for their future.
What This Award Means for Shough's Future
This fan-voted accolade places him among distinguished past winners, including several quarterbacks who went on to have successful NFL careers. Shough is also a strong contender for the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year, with the announcement coming during NFL Honors. Regardless of that outcome, his rookie campaign has already made a powerful statement.
Under the guidance of head coach Kellen Moore, the Saints appear to have secured their long-term quarterback. With a full offseason to prepare as the undisputed starter, expectations for Shough and the team are set to soar, promising an exciting future for New Orleans football.
