Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has become the first unanimous choice for The Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player Award since the AP began using a nationwide panel of media members who cover the league. In 2007, when Brady won his first MVP, he got 49 votes; one voter went for Brett Favre. "It is always flattering to be chosen for such a prestigious award," Brady said. "But I also look at it as a team award, as nothing in football gets accomplished without the mental toughness and determination of every player and coach associated with that team. "I am very humbled to be a part of an organization where winning comes first, and our goals are based around the success of the team."

Ndamukong Suh won The Associated Press 2010 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award on Friday. The only rookie on the All-Pro team, Suh validated Detroit selecting him second overall in last April's draft. Detroit won its final four games to finish 6-10, triple the number of victories the Lions managed in the previous two seasons combined. Suh was a major reason with 10 sacks, the most at the position, veteran or rookie, and 66 tackles. "We didn't learn how to finish games and overcome mistakes until the end of the year," Suh said. "But we figured it out and I think our four-game winning streak is definitely something for us to build on going into next season."

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady won the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year award on Tuesday for the second time in four seasons. Brady, who had a string of 355 passes without being intercepted, received 21 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league. He easily beat Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick, who got 11 votes. "To me it comes down to the mental toughness and determination of the players and coaches," Brady said.

Steelers safety Troy Polamalu will be named the Associated Press 2010 Defensive Player of the Year. Polamalu received 17 votes from the 50-member panel, edging Packers linebacker Clay Matthews by two votes. He had seven interceptions this season along with 63 tackles despite missing two games.