More hardware for Patrick Mahomes, Chris Jones as NFL 101 Awards are held in Kansas City

The 2022 season is over, but the NFL had a presence Saturday evening in Kansas City.

Coaches and players converged at the Westin at Crown Center for the 53rd Annual NFL Awards, which recognizes some of the league’s biggest starts and top head coaches.

“It’s so great to be back together for the 101 Awards,” Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “My family and I are so proud to be part of this magnificent event, and it’s certainly a highlight of the annual calendar for the Kansas City Chiefs.

“I want to thank all of you for being here tonight. A special thanks to the players and coaches who have traveled across the country to be with us this evening for this great event.”

The Committee of 101, which consists of 101 members of the national media, recognized the following award recipients:

• AFC Coach of the Year: Doug Pederson, Jacksonville Jaguars

• NFC Coach of the Year: Brian Daboll, New York Giants

• AFC Offensive Player of the Year: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes

• AFC Defensive Player of the Year: Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones

• NFC Offensive Player of the Year: Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts

• NFC Defensive Player of the Year: San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa

Mahomes, who was previously named the NFL MVP the week leading to Super Bowl LVII, was not present because he’s preparing to be a groomsman in a wedding. Bosa also wasn’t present.

Hunt took a moment to point out a unique quality for the two head coaches in attendance.

“It’s special for us to have both the AFC Coach of the Year and the NFC Coach of the Year have ties to the Kansas City Chiefs,” Hunt said.

Pederson served as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator from 2013 to 2015, while Daboll served as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator in 2012.

Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco also received recognition for receiving the Mack Lee Hill Award, which is awarded every season to the Chiefs’ top rookie. Mahomes was named the Derrick Thomas Award recipient as the Chiefs’ MVP.

The 101 Awards recognized the late John Madden with the Lamar Hunt Award for Professional Football. The award “recognizes an individual or group that has made significant contributions to the NFL and its status as the preeminent pro sports league in America.”

“John was an icon in the game,” Clark Hunt said. “He was a Hall of Fame coach, a legendary broadcaster and a larger than life personality.”

Madden’s son, Mike, accepted the award on his father’s behalf.