Pro Football Writers of America Awards Finalists
Up for a PFWA Award this year is quarterback Sam Darnold for his season that he had with the Minnesota Vikings last year. Darnold is up for the George Halas Award which recognizes an NFL player, coach or staff who overcomes the most adversity and succeeds.
Darnold's bio from the PFWA for this award reads:
"Darnold toiled as a backup to Brock Purdy during the 2023 season with San Francisco, as the 49ers advanced to Super Bowl LVIII. Darnold signed with Minnesota in March 2024, and was elevated to the starting spot after a season-ending injury to J.J. McCarthy in the preseason. Darnold threw for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns and a 102.5 passer rating. He was voted as the PFWA's 2024 Most Improved Player of the Year."
Also, up for an award is former Seahawk Bobby Wagner, who is up for the Good Guy Award.
And former Seahawks beat writer for Seattlepi, Ben Arthur, is up for the Terez A. Paylor Emerging Writer Award which recognizes "a young NFL writer who carries on the legacy of Paylor through his or her work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to the craft and commitment to improving diversity in NFL media."
And finally, Thomas Caitlin, worked for the Seahawks from 1983 to 1995 and served as the Seahawks defensive coordinator and then as the assistant head coach during that period was awarded the Paul "Dr. Z" Zimmerman Award. The award is a lifetime achievement for assistant coaches in the NFL.