You Won't Believe What Saints QB Tyler Shough Did to Snag the 2025 Rookie of the Year Title!

The New Orleans Saints have received a significant boost in their quarterback future with the recent announcement that Tyler Shough has been named the 2025 Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year. This honor, revealed on February 5, 2026, during a ceremony by the NFL and Pepsi, is tied to a fan-vote program at nfl.com/rookies. While this accolade may not hold the same prestige as the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award presented at NFL Honors, it is nonetheless a league-backed recognition that highlights a player's rise in visibility and performance, especially for a quarterback.

Shough's rookie season statistics are impressive: he recorded a 67.6% completion percentage, the highest among rookies, along with 2,384 passing yards (second among rookies) and a 91.3 passer rating (also second). Additionally, he set several franchise records for rookies, including passing yards, passing touchdowns (10), and completion percentage. These accomplishments transform what could have been a typical learning year into a legitimate foundation for the Saints' future.

A Season to Remember

Shough's performance peaked during a pivotal Week 17 game, where he became just the second rookie in NFL history to achieve an 80% or higher completion rate, over 300 passing yards, and a passer rating of over 140 in a single game. The only other rookie to accomplish this feat was Bo Nix, quarterback for the Denver Broncos, who did so twice in the previous season (November 17, 2024, and January 5, 2025). Such standout performances not only bolster Shough's reputation but also resonate with fans and analysts alike, making it easier for him to secure votes in a fan-driven award.

As the Saints prepare for the 2026 season, this recognition presents them with a clear narrative to build upon: the emergence of a promising quarterback. Head coach Kellen Moore has expressed confidence in Shough, emphasizing that the organization views his trajectory as a substantial one rather than a fleeting moment. In his end-of-season remarks on January 8, 2026, Moore stated, “We feel great with Tyler,” and highlighted his considerable improvement throughout the season. He also pointed out the importance of the upcoming offseason for further development, framing 2026 as a year to build around Shough.

This award not only validates Shough's capabilities but also provides the Saints with concrete momentum heading into the offseason. They can now point to several key aspects:

• Efficiency: Shough's completion rate demonstrated consistency and effectiveness over the course of the season.
• Franchise Records: He reset the baseline for rookie performance in the New Orleans franchise, raising expectations for future players.
• Signature Game: His standout performance signals not just steady management but a player who can elevate the team’s play.

Overall, the Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year award serves as a critical milestone for Shough and the Saints, underscoring the potential that lies ahead for both the player and the franchise.