Lions safety Louis Delmas was a standout in his rookie season. He became the first rookie and just the second overall NFL player to score on a fumble return, an interception return and a safety in one season. He was a hard hitter and became a defensive leader. It wasn’t enough for him to earn a single vote as the NFL’s defensive rookie of the year.

Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing was recognized with that honor today. It was a runaway. The panel of 50 sports writers nationwide gave Cushing 39 votes. He was a first-round (15th overall) pick out of Southern Cal.
— PAULA PASCHE