WINNER SELECTED BY FAN VOTE ON https://www.nfl.com/voting/rookies/rookie-of-the-year
The National Football League today announced RB James Robinson as a finalist for the 2020 PEPSI ZERO SUGAR NFL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR award. Robinson would be the first undrafted player in NFL history to win the award.
Fans can vote online at https://www.nfl.com/voting/rookies/rookie-of-the-year or directly on Twitter beginning today through January 25. To cast a vote on Twitter, fans should tweet James Robinson or @Robinson_jamess with the hashtag #PepsiROY.
The 2020 PEPSI ZERO SUGAR NFL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR award will be recognized in Tampa Bay and presented a trophy virtually during Super Bowl LV festivities and online at https://www.nfl.com/voting/rookies/rookie-of-the-year.
Robinson started 14 games in 2020 and finished with 1,414 scrimmage yards (1,070 rushing, 344 receiving), the most scrimmage yards by an undrafted rookie in the common-draft era. He was the only rookie in the NFL to average more than 100 scrimmage yards per game this season. His 1,070 rushing yards ranked second among rookies and fifth overall. Robinson’s 1,070 rushing yards stand as the second-most by a rookie in franchise history, trailing only RB Fred Taylor (1,223 in 1998).
The Illinois State product scored 10 total TDs (seven rushing, three receiving), which were tied for the fourth-most among rookies in the NFL in 2020. He also led all rookie running backs this season in receptions (49) and receiving TDs (three). His 49 receptions eclipsed RB Maurice Jones-Drew’s record (46) for most receptions by a rookie running back in franchise history.
“He is almost not human the way he, week in and week out, is able to perform,” WR Collin Johnson said. “It’s just impressive and motivating too, seeing an undrafted guy come in here and put up the numbers he’s doing and being such a good teammate. It’s motivating. He’s a great guy for our locker room and just a beast.”
He is the third undrafted rookie with 10 TDs in the common-draft era, joining RB Phillip Lindsay (2018) and Dominic Rhodes (2001). Robinson had seven games with at least 100 scrimmage yards this season, tied with Clark Gaines (seven games in 1976) for the most such games by an undrafted rookie since 1967.
Robinson was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month in September after starting the first three games of the season and registering 339 scrimmage yards (210 rushing, 129 receiving) and three TDs. He became the first undrafted player in NFL history to post at least 300 scrimmage yards and multiple TDs through three career games, and his 339 scrimmage yards are the most ever by an undrafted player through three career games. His 339 scrimmage yards and 210 rushing yards are both the most in team history through a player’s first three games.
2020 PEPSI ZERO SUGAR NFL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
| PLAYER | POSITION | TEAM |
| Justin Herbert | Quarterback | Los Angeles Chargers |
| Justin Jefferson | Wide Receiver | Minnesota Vikings |
| James Robinson | Running Back | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| Jonathan Taylor | Running Back | Indianapolis Colts |
| Chase Young | Defensive End | Washington Football Team |
