Watt unanimous top AP defensive player; Murray tops offense
By BARRY WILNER, Associated Press
Jan 31, 2015 8:38 PM CST
FILE - In this Nov. 23, 2014, file photo New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) makes a one-handed catch for a touchdown against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) in the second quarter of an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J. Beckham grabbed The Associated Press NFL Offensive...   (Associated Press)

PHOENIX (AP) — J.J. Watt swept away the voters the way he sweeps quarterbacks off their feet.

The Houston Texans end was a unanimous choice for The Associated Press NFL Defensive Player Of The Year for 2014.

The ultra-energetic and versatile Houston Texans end collected every vote from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league. He is the first unanimous choice for an AP award since Tom Brady won Most Valuable Player in 2007, and the first for top defensive player under the current voting setup.

"It's special," he said. "It's a testament to my coaches and teammates and everything they did throughout the year. There are so many people who helped make this possible."

NFL rushing leader DeMarco Murray of Dallas won Offensive Player, while the Arizona Cardinals swept coaching honors Saturday night.

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski took the Comeback Player award.

Murray, who ran away with the rushing title with 1,845 yards — nearly 500 more than any other player — also topped the NFL with 2,261 yards from scrimmage. He scored 13 touchdowns in helping the Cowboys win the NFC East.

That overwhelming performance earned him 26 votes as Murray easily outdistanced Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (15 votes).

"I want to say thank you to the Jones family for taking a chance on me four years ago out of Oklahoma," Murray said. "It's been a privilege to play there. Hopefully we can continue that."

Murray's contract is up.

"I don't think it's any surprise or any secret where I want to play next year," he said.

Arians took his second Coach of the Year award in three seasons after leading his injury-ravaged Cardinals to an 11-5 record and a wild-card playoff berth. He was the top coach in 2012 as an interim, stepping in for the ill Chuck Pagano and leading the Colts to the postseason.

His defensive coordinator in Arizona, Todd Bowles, won the first Assistant Coach of the Year award. Bowles has parlayed his work with the Cardinals into a head coaching job with the Jets.

Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who made the play of the year against the Cowboys with a one-handed snag of a touchdown pass while falling backward, was voted top offensive rookie. Beckham tied Michael Irvin's NFL mark with nine consecutive games of 90 yards receiving and finished with 91 receptions for 1,305 yards and 12 TDs.

"This is a great class that I came in," Beckham said. "Part of the reason that I wanted to come out (early from LSU) was to be included in this class."

Rams tackle Aaron Donald won top defensive rookie honors.

In his fourth pro season, Watt earned his second such honor with 20 1-2 sacks, 78 tackles — 29 for losses — 50 quarterback hits, four forced fumbles and 10 blocked passes.

He is the first NFL player with multiple 20-sack seasons. Watt also had 20 1-2 sacks in 2012, his other top defensive player season.

The AP awards were given out during the "NFL Honors" TV program. Also during the show, Bears defensive end Jared Allen won the Salute to Service Award. USAA will contribute $25,000 in Allen's honor to the official aid societies representing all five military branches.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL

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