LeSean McCoy holds his FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Year award.

Touchdowns aren’t the only thing LeSean McCoy and Drew Brees scored this season. The running back and quarterback both won FedEx Air and Ground Player of the Year awards on Wednesday, February 1.

McCoy took home the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Year award. The Philadelphia Eagles star ran for 17 touchdowns in 2011, more than any other running back in the National Football League. “I’m very honored that FedEx selected me,” he said. “I want to thank my teammates, friends, and fans.”

Brees earned the FedEx Air NFL Player of the Year award. The New Orleans Saints quarterback set a single season record in 2011 for most passing yards. He threw for a total of 5,476 yards—more than three miles.

The quarterback could not attend the prize ceremony, so Saints tackle Jermon Bushrod accepted the award on his behalf. “[Brees is] just a very focused individual,” Bushrod said. “To see [him] work out in the off season, you would think the Super Bowl is the next day.”

Saints tackle Jermon Bushrod accepts the award on behalf of
quarterback Drew Brees.

Trophies weren’t the players’ only prize. FedEx made a $25,000 donation in each athlete’s name to a Junior Achievement program in his state. Those programs teach people how to start their own businesses.

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©2012 Weekly Reader Corporation. Photos: Laura Anastasia/Weekly Reader. Published February 2, 2012.