When the Associated Press named its award winners last week, plenty of attention was given to quarterback Tom Brady for being named Offensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player, as well as Bill Belichick for his Coach of the Year honor.
Rightfully so.
Also of interest was that receiver Wes Welker received two votes for Comeback Player of the Year (given to Eagles quarterback Michael Vick) and cornerback Devin McCourty received two votes for Defensive Rookie of the Year (given to Lions defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh).
Who voted for Welker and McCourty? And why?
The answers will be shared in the coming days, with Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com kicking things off with his thoughts on why Welker was his choice for Comeback Player of the Year.
"I voted for Welker because he came back from a devastating injury, while Mike Vick was coming back from what? Not starting? Welker came back in such an impressive way from an injury he suffered late in 2009. I thought he looked like the same player in 2010, which
tells me he was aggressive in his rehab. That means something to me," Prisco wrote in an e-mail.
"I think Welker is a pro's pro. Add that all up, and it's why I picked Welker. I love players who love the game. It's evident to me that he indeed loves the game. Give me 11 guys like him on an offense and I'll take my chances against anybody."