The Los Angeles Rams’ 2023 season hasn’t yet come to an end, but the team announced recipients of four awards that are handed out each year. These awards are given out by the team and not the NFL, so it’s a reflection of who everyone in the Rams’ building feels was most deserving.
The awards range from MVP to the Ed Block Courage Award, with all four recipients coming on offense. Below are the Rams’ award-winners for 2023.
MVP: Matthew Stafford
No surprise here. Stafford was voted the team’s MVP of 2023, putting together one of his best seasons yet. Despite dealing with a hip injury and missing a game and a half with a thumb issue that lingered into the second half of the season, he threw 24 touchdown passes and had just 11 interceptions.
He’s not the team’s only key player, but he is their most valuable.
Rookie of the Year: Puka Nacua
Kobie Turner was a deserving candidate for this award but Nacua is having a historic rookie season, so he got the nod. The Rams named him their Rookie of the Year thanks to his 101 catches and 1,445 yards through 16 games, with a chance to break the records for the most receptions (104) and yards (1,463) in the finale against the 49ers.
Carl Ekern Spirit of the Game Award: Cooper Kupp
This award is given to the player who “best exemplifies sportsmanship, ethic, and commitment to teammates,” which fits Kupp perfectly. Even when he was sidelined by a hamstring injury, he was right there working with the receivers and other players on the roster.
The Rams’ younger receivers even requested that he fly with the team to away games while he was on injured reserve because they wanted him on the sideline with them.
Ed Block Courage Award: Joe Noteboom
The Ed Block Courage Award goes to a “player who is a role model of inspiration, sportsmanship, and courage,” an honor Noteboom earned this year. He battled through injury after injury but was there at every turn to fill in when needed, whether that was at right guard, right tackle or left tackle.
Sean McVay said this week that Noteboom aggravated a foot injury in Sunday’s win over the Giants but he never missed a snap. He may not be the most durable player, but Noteboom showed toughness this season.
