Texans veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks has been named the Pro Football Writers of America Houston chapter's annual Most Valuable Player.
The balloting was unanimous for Cooks, who has been instrumental as one of the only dangerous and explosive deep threats on the 4-12 Texans' offense and one of the most consistent players on the team overall.
“It’s been a blessing this season in all aspects," Cooks said. "Just as a team we didn’t accomplish what we wanted too but I think we all learned a lot about ourselves. For me personally, I learned just to continue to fight through adversity regardless of what the circumstances are and try to lead the best way that I can.
"I'm thankful and happy about that. Blessed to be able to accomplish that goal but would love to be playing in that postseason. I think that’s a lot more important so just got to get back to work when it is time.”
The former New Orleans Saints first-round draft pick has eclipsed the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the sixth time in eight NFL seasons, making him the third player in franchise history to record consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons and one of eight active NFL players with at least six 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
"Cookie is reliable and he can step in for somebody else at another position in the whole offense and execute somebody else’s job if he has to get thrown into that spot," Texans rookie quarterback Davis Mills said. "That kind of explains how he is for this team. Just extremely consistent and diligent in his work, and he’s able to go out there and he’s played at a really high level at any position on the field receiver-wise because he knows the offense so well, can switch around spots. He’s been great for this team, great for the offense, and I obviously love going and throwing to him out there because he’s a true weapon. I don’t think there’s anyone on the other side of the ball who can stop him.”
Cooks caught a team-high seven catches for 66 yards on 11 targets Sunday during a loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He has 87 catches this season for 1,011 yards and was the only Texans player to score Sunday heading into a season finale against the Tennessee Titans.
"That's one of the most consistent and professional people I've ever met," center Justin Britt said. "He's been a steady presence for us. To get 1,000 yards is a huge accomplishment. It shows his dedication and hard work and his trust. He's as good of a pro as I've seen."
A former New Orleans Saints first-round draft pick, Cooks has caught 570 career passes for 7,891 yards and 46 touchdowns.
"He’s great," Texans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly said. "He does everything that we ask him to do and he’s always willing to come and allow us to move him around and do different things. It’s been good being able to work with Brandin again this year.”
Cooks has also been named a finalist for the annual Art Rooney sportsmanship award. The award recognizes an NFL player who demonstrates qualities of sportsmanship, respect for the game, fair play and integrity in competition.
The other finalists are Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Miami Dolphins safety Jason McCourty, New England Patriots special teams ace Matthew Slater, Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David, New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan, San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen.
"He’s a guy that our players trust, and not only just because of the kind of player he is, but the kind of person he is.” Texans coach David Culley said.
"He’s an outstanding competitor, outstanding player," Texans defensive coordinator Lovie Smith said. "You want a veteran player to show the young players how to be a pro. He’s a receiver that can do it all. Seen a lot of good ones and I knew a lot about him before I got here and to see him every day, I know exactly what he can do and that’s what he’s done every game.”
A panel of former players from the NFL Legends Community selected the eight finalists from the 32 NFL club nominees. The panel is comprised of Warrick Dunn, Larry Fitzgerald, Curtis Martin and Leonard Wheeler. The eight finalists were listed on the Pro Bowl ballot under the NFL Sportsmanship Award category.
"I've had the honor of competing with many of the nominees on the list,” Fitzgerald said. “More importantly, I've had the blessing of knowing and building relationships with several of them off the field. The legacy of Mr. Rooney lives on through these men. They represent teamwork, competitiveness, hard work, optimism, and integrity. Congratulations to each of the nominees for this year's Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award."
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