The New Orleans Saints organization and their passionate fanbase have a new reason to celebrate. Quarterback Tyler Shough has been named the Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year, a prestigious honor determined entirely by fan voting and announced by the league today. This recognition caps off an extraordinary debut season for the former Louisville standout, who was selected 40th overall in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Shough's victory represents more than just individual excellence—it symbolizes the arrival of a new franchise cornerstone at the most critical position in professional football.
From his first snap in training camp to his final pass of the regular season, the rookie signal-caller displayed a rare combination of poise, precision, and playmaking ability that immediately endeared him to teammates, coaches, and the Who Dat Nation. In his first public comments after receiving the award, Shough exemplified the humility and team-first mentality that has become his trademark. "I am truly humbled and honored to be chosen for this award," he stated with genuine appreciation. "Coming in as a rookie, my goal was to do anything I could to contribute to our team's success. Whatever I was asked to do, I just wanted to help the team."
The young quarterback was quick to deflect attention from his personal accomplishments, instead shining the spotlight on those who supported his journey. "This wouldn't be possible without all of my teammates and coaches giving everything they had each and every week to help us win. The award is truly a reflection of all of their hard work." Shough also took time to acknowledge the very fans who voted for him: "I also want to say thank you to our amazing fans. Your unbelievable passion for the Saints and the city of New Orleans inspires all of us! I can't wait to see where we go from here!"
This fan-voted distinction places Shough in an exclusive fraternity within Saints history. He becomes just the fourth player in franchise history to capture the Pepsi Rookie of the Year award, joining a legendary trio: running back George Rogers (1981), the franchise's inaugural first-round draft pick who rushed for 1,674 yards in his rookie campaign; running back Rueben Mayes (1986), whose explosive running style earned him Pro Bowl honors; and versatile offensive weapon Alvin Kamara (2017), whose dynamic playmaking helped revolutionize the modern NFL offense.
The statistical resume Shough compiled during his rookie season tells a story of unprecedented efficiency and clutch performance. Appearing in 11 games with nine starts, he completed 221 of 327 pass attempts for a remarkable 67.6 completion percentage—the third-highest mark among qualifying rookies in the entire history of the league. His 2,384 passing yards demonstrated his ability to attack defenses at all levels of the field, while his 10 touchdown passes against only six interceptions showcased a decision-making acumen rarely seen in first-year quarterbacks.
Perhaps most impressively, Shough posted a 91.3 overall passer rating, but his performance in critical situations truly separated him from his peers. His 103.3 passer rating on third-down situations didn't just lead all rookies—it led the entire NFL. This ability to elevate his play when the stakes were highest proved invaluable for a Saints offense that frequently found itself in high-leverage situations. The Louisville product systematically dismantled franchise rookie records, rewriting the Saints' record books in virtually every major passing category. His name now appears atop the team's rookie leaderboard for completions, passing yards, touchdown passes, and completion percentage. The precision with which he operated the offense and his command of the huddle belied his inexperience, suggesting that the Saints had found their quarterback of the future.
The significance of the Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year award extends beyond simple recognition. Unlike the Associated Press Rookie of the Year honor, which is determined by a select panel of sportswriters, the Pepsi award is decided entirely through fan voting. This democratic process makes Shough's victory particularly meaningful, as it represents a direct mandate from the supporters who fill the Caesars Superdome each Sunday. This award serves as a barometer for which rookie captured the public imagination most completely during their debut campaign.
Shough's trophy case is already beginning to fill up with significant hardware. The Pepsi Rookie of the Year award joins his selection as a PFWA All-Rookie Team member and his capture of the December/January NFL Rookie of the Month award. The rookie quarterback's remarkable season has also earned him a place among the finalists for the Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, widely considered the most prestigious rookie honor in professional football. The winner will be announced this evening at the 15th annual NFL Honors awards ceremony in San Francisco.
As the Saints organization looks toward the future, Shough represents more than just a promising young player—he embodies hope for sustained success at the most important position in team sports. His rookie season provided a tantalizing glimpse of what could be a long and prosperous career in the Big Easy. The front office's decision to invest a premium second-round draft pick in Shough has already paid substantial dividends. With a full offseason to refine his mechanics and build chemistry with his receiving corps, expectations will be sky-high for his sophomore season. The organization's coaching staff has already begun tailoring aspects of the offense to maximize Shough's unique skill set, incorporating more play-action concepts and designed quarterback movements that leverage his mobility and accuracy on the move.
Tyler Shough's Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year award is more than just a personal achievement—it's a milestone for the entire Saints organization. By joining George Rogers, Rueben Mayes, and Alvin Kamara in the franchise's rookie honor roll, Shough has cemented his place in team lore after just one season. His combination of statistical excellence, clutch performance, and humble leadership has created a foundation for what could be a truly special career. The 2025 season was just the opening chapter in what promises to be an exciting story for Tyler Shough and the New Orleans Saints.