RB Laurence Maroney wins the Patriots' 12th player award

[DefenseRules]

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/

December 19, 2006
Maroney: 12th man
Rookie RB Laurence Maroney was named the Patriots' 12th player award winner today.

Here is part of the press release issued by the team:

The award is presented annually to the Patriots player who personifies the Patriots team spirit, performs beyond expectations and is recognized for his contributions to the organization, both on the field and in the community. Recent winners include linebacker Willie McGinest in 2005, wide receiver/defensive back Troy Brown in 2004, defensive tackle/fullback Dan Klecko in 2003, kicker Adam Vinatieri in 2002, quarterback Tom Brady in 2001 and linebacker Tedy Bruschi in 2000.

Maroney, 21, has rushed 155 times for 624 yards (4.0 avg) and four touchdowns in 12 games for the Patriots this year. The 5-foot-11-inch, 220-pound rookie has also caught 18 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown.

Good for Maroney.

 

[JR4]

That is great. i love koolaid

 

[unoriginal]

Uh oh, take a look at the last rookie to win that award...

 

[zippo59]

Uh oh, take a look at the last rookie to win that award...

You're referencing Dan Klecko, and let me just say he completely deserved it. Ted Washington missed six games in 2003 and Klecko stepped in as the starting nose tackle. The defense didn't miss a beat. It was stout against the run and remained the top ranked unit in the NFL. Klecko was huge that year.

EDIT:

Anyway, Klecko won the award for playing out of position in an emergency situation to help his team. Maroney has won it based purely on the fact that he has performed well at his own position while maintaining a good attitude and acting as a leader. Drawing parellels between the two seems pretty useless.

 

[Va_Pats_Fan]

Sorta makes you wonder about the comments that were made about him being in BB's doghouse...

seems perhaps not