Although the Los Angeles Rams are still in the running for the playoffs, they have already announced their 2023 end-of-year team awards as the regular season draws to a close.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford received the Daniel F. Reeves Memorial Award, given to the team’s most valuable player. Voted a captain by his Rams teammates for the third-straight year, Stafford has completed 326 of 521 pass attempts for 3,965 yards with 24 passing touchdowns. His passing yards are currently sixth-most in the NFL, and his overall play since the bye week played a pivotal role in Los Angeles going 6-1 and clinching a playoff berth. Earlier this season, he became the 11th player in NFL history to throw for 53,000 career passing yards and moved to 11th all-time in career passing touchdowns (357).
The Carroll Rosenbloom Memorial Award, which goes to the team’s rookie of the year, went to wide receiver Puka Nacua. Nacua is tied for the team lead with five touchdowns and leads the Rams in receptions (101) and receiving yards (1,445). He is only four receptions and 29 receiving yards away from becoming the NFL rookie record in those two categories. Nacua leads the 2023 NFL Draft class in receptions, receiving yards, longest receptions, and first-down receptions.
Cooper Kupp, a wide receiver, was awarded the Carl Ekern Spirit of the Game Award, which goes to the player who best demonstrates teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication. Kupp is tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns (5) with 59 receptions for 737 yards despite missing four games due to injury. This season, he was nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award by the team. He has continued to mentor a local high school football team for a full year and has worked to combat food insecurity in Los Angeles by organizing the team’s annual Taste of the Rams event in collaboration with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. He was also voted a team captain for the fourth-straight year by his teammates and has been praised by coaches and players throughout the year for his on-field performance, toughness, and mentorship of young players such as Nacua and others.
Joe Noteboom, an offensive lineman, was chosen by his teammates to receive the Ed Block Courage Award, which is given to a player who exemplifies courage, sportsmanship, and inspiration. Despite suffering several injuries during the season, Noteboom has played close to 550 snaps and filled in at multiple offensive line positions. Coaches and teammates have complimented him on his consistency, toughness, steadiness, and versatility.