Year End Awards

The Steelers named their end of the year awards today and I figured I would highlight those for you.

The Mean Joe Greene Award given to the best rookie was awarded to Marcus Gilbert. Gilbert was a second round 63rd overall draft pick. He was called into action after Willie Colon went down for the second straight year with an injury. I can't argue with this selection as he has clearly separated himself from the six other rookies on the roster.

The Chief Award given to the most cooperative with the media was awarded to veteran James Farrior. Farrior has played for the Steelers since 2002 after being drafted by the Jets in the first round 8th overall in 1997. This is his second time winning the award, the last coming in 2009. Again, I can't argue too much but this award could have easily went to Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward or the always entertaining Ryan Clark.

The MVP given to the most valuable player by the players was awarded to Antonio Brown. Brown is one of the Steelers best late round draft choices ever as he was drafted in the sixth round 195th overall. He is second on the roster in all receiving categories grabbing 63 passes for 1,018 yards averaging 16.2 yards per catch with two touchdowns. You can't ever argue with this award as it is awarded to a player by the players.

So, with the Steeler awards announced I figured I would give out at steelerfreak award to a player that does all his work out of the spotlight. Someone who has strapped it on this season and may not get all the recognition he is due.

My steelerfreak has to be Cortez Allen. Allen battled injuries early but in the last few weeks has really stepped up as a special team player. He is one of the better open field tacklers and has really impressed me on special teams and in his opportunities on defense.