LOS ANGELES (AP) – If Aaron Rodgers elects to retire before training, he’s going out as the NFL’s reigning Most Valuable Player. The Green Bay Packers quarterback is the MVP for the fourth time in his career, becoming just the fifth player to earn the honor in consecutive seasons. Rodgers earned 39 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the NFL. Rodgers said at the NFL Honors that he hasn’t made up his mind about retirement.
In other AP awards: Steelers edge rusher TJ Watt is the Defensive Player of the Year. Watt tied the NFL sacks record with 22 1/2 and joined older brother J.J. in taking the award.
– Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp got one vote for MVP, but he easily took top offensive player honors. Kupp led the NFL with 138 receptions, 1,829 yards receiving and 15 touchdown catches while leading Los Angeles to the NFC West title.
– Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Chase had 81 receptions for 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns during the regular season before helping Cincinnati earn its first Super Bowl berth in 33 years.