If Cooper Kupp won the triple crown for wide receivers, the Indianapolis Colts‘ Jonathan Taylor also did the same for running backs last season.
The backfield star from Wisconsin led the league in rushing attempts (332), rushing yards (1,811), and touchdowns (18).
His 5.5 yards per carry ranked fifth among all running backs last season.
He has had two 1,000-yard rushing seasons in as many years and he’s looking for another one in 2022.
Taylor’s numbers gave him a legitimate case for Offensive Player of the Year honors.
However, it went to Kupp, who was a key figure in the Los Angeles Rams’ success.
But while Taylor did not win that distinction, he is up for two awards at the ESPYs.
➡️ Best NFL Player
➡️ Best Breakthrough AthleteJT is running his way to the ESPYs.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) June 29, 2022
The Colts’ official Twitter account shared that the 23-year-old running back is nominated for Best NFL Player and Best Breakthrough Athlete.
His fellow nominees for Best NFL Player are Kupp, Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt, and Most Valuable Player Aaron Rodgers.
Meanwhile, he is up against Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, freestyle skier Eileen Gu, and Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman for Best Breakthrough Athlete.
He may not be the most popular among the candidates, but his credentials give him a strong case for both awards.
A Breakthrough Season For Taylor
His performance during the 2021 season earned him The Sporting News’ Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Taylor was also named First-Team All-Pro by The Sporting News, Pro Football Focus, Pro Football Writers Association, and Associated Press.
He was also named to his first Pro Bowl and won the Bert Bell Award.
Taylor also led the NFL in rushing yards per game with 106.5 and total yards from scrimmage at 2,171.
He also made the longest rushing play last season at 83 yards.
The ESPY Awards will be on July 20 at 8 p.m. ET.
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