The Los Angeles Rams recognized RB TODD GURLEY II, WR COOPER KUPP, and LT ANDREW WHITWORTH as recipients of the following team awards as voted by their teammates:
Daniel F. Reeves Memorial Award
2017 Winner: RB Todd Gurley II
Given to the team’s Most Valuable Player
The Daniel F. Reeves Memorial Award was established in 1969 in honor of the former owner of the Rams, Dan Reeves, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967. Reeves owned the Rams from 1941-71 and claimed World Championships in 1945 and 1951. He was the first to integrate football in the modern era with the signing of Woody Strode and Kenny Washington in 1946.
Gurley is the third player in NFL history to have at least 2,000 scrimmage yards, 10 rushing touchdowns and more than five receiving touchdowns in a single season, the other two are Hall of Famers Marshall Faulk (2000, ’01) and O.J. Simpson (1975). The third-year pro has made a strong case for the league’s Most Valuable Player as he currently leads the NFL in touchdowns (19), is the highest scoring non-kicker (114 points), and ranks first in the league in scrimmage yards (2,093) and rushing yards (1,305) through Week 16. Additionally, Gurley’s been the best receiving back in the NFL this season, leading all RBs in receiving yards (788) and reception average (12.3 yards per reception).
Carl Ekern Spirit of the Game Award
2017 Winner: LT Andrew Whitworth
Given to player who best exemplifies sportsmanship, ethic and commitment to teammates
Established in 1990, the Carl Ekern Spirit of the Game Award is given to the player who best exemplifies sportsmanship, ethic, and commitment to his teammates. Those traits were displayed by former Rams linebacker Carl Ekern, who was killed in an automobile accident in 1990. Ekern was a starter for the Rams from 1982-88 and earned an invitation to the Pro Bowl in 1986.
Regarded as one of the leaders in the locker room and a mentor both on and off the field, 2017 free agent-signee Whitworth was voted a team captain by his peers. A veteran of 12 NFL seasons, teammates and coaches regularly lean on his experience and the example that he sets as an NFL professional. In his first year with the Rams, Whitworth helped provide time for Goff to throw for a career-best 146.8 QB rating in the Rams’ Week 9, 51-17 win at the New York Giants. Through Week 16, Whitworth has been a part of an offensive line unit that has only allowed 25 times, which is tied for the seventh-fewest sacks surrendered by a team during the 2017 season.
Carroll Rosenbloom Memorial Award
2017 Winner: WR Cooper Kupp
Given to the team’s Rookie of the Year
The Carroll Rosenbloom Memorial Award is given to the team’s Rookie of the Year and was established following the passing of former owner Carroll Rosenbloom in 1979. Rosenbloom became the owner of the Rams when he orchestrated an unprecedented franchise trade in 1972.
Through Week 16 Kupp leads the team in receiving yards (869) and ranks second in receptions (62). To date, he’s totaled five receiving touchdowns and the rookie posted his first career 100-plus receiving-yard game with 116 yards receiving in a 26-20 win over New Orleans in a Week 12 contest. Entering the final week of the regular season, he leads all NFL rookies in receiving yards (869), first down receptions (42) and 20-plus yard receptions (12). He is also one of just six rookies this season to record multiple 40-plus yard receptions. Kupp was drafted No. 69 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft.
