Pats' Stephon Gilmore Wins AP NFL Defensive Player Of The Year

BOSTON — The New England Patriots' Stephon Gilmore is the first cornerback in a decade to win recognition as the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Considered one of the game's best cover cornerbacks, the All-Pro made his eighth pro season his best with a career-high six interceptions, tying for the NFL lead.

Gilmore was one of several players honored Saturday, including Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, the first unanimous choice as league MVP since Tom Brady in 2010.

Gilmore was a key member of the league's stingiest defense in 2019; New England allowed 225 points in winning an 11th straight AFC East title.

"Each and every week, I feel like I'm going against the best receivers every game, and I was able to shut them down as much as I can," Gilmore said. "That's tough being on an island, tough playing a lot of man-to-man coverage each and every week, but I feel like I did that every week."

Jackson drew all 50 votes from a nationwide panel of media members who regularly cover the league. Baltimore's All-Pro set an NFL record for yards rushing by a quarterback (1,206) and led an offense that compiled more yards on the ground (3,296) than any in league history. The Ravens won their final 12 games of the regular season to finish at 14-2, the league's best mark.

Jackson had a powerful message for kids told they should change positions on the field and who face criticism and doubters.

"Make those people eat their words," he said. "It feels good when you can make those people eat their words because they're so negative. How are you going to wake up and be so negative about somebody who's not negative toward you or don't do anything wrong? Don't worry about what they say. Do you. Stay focused because you want to be great, and you're going to be great. Just do you."

Ravens Coach John Harbaugh was named coach of the year, and his offensive coordinator, Greg Roman, took best assistant coach honors.

Tennessee's Ryan Tannehill earned the Comeback Player award by one vote over Jimmy Garoppolo, who will quarterback the 49ers in Sunday's Super Bowl. New Orleans' Michael Thomas took top offensive player honors.

Rookie honors went to 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa and Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, the top overall pick in last April's draft.

Edge rusher Calais Campbell of the Jacksonville Jaguars won the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.