Chicago Bears' Anthony Thomas, Pittsburg Steelers' Kendrell Bell named NFL Rookies of the Year

Jet, Feb 4, 2002

Anthony Thomas, running back for the NFC Central champions Chicago Bears, was recently honored as the Associated Press (AP) NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Pittsburgh Steelers' inside linebacker Kendrell Bell was named the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Ironically, both Thomas and Bell were passed over in the first round of the NFL draft and chosen in the second, leaving the Bears and the Steelers feeling like they got a steal.

Thomas, out of the University of Michigan, rushed for 1,183 yards and seven touchdowns, with four 100-yard games. He compiled his impressive numbers despite missing two games with a hamstring injury and starting only 10 games for the season.

"A lot of people didn't think I could do it," said Thomas, who is nicknamed the "A-Train." "But Chicago had faith in me and gave me an opportunity, and I tried to make the best of it."

Thomas' ability to speed through the holes helped him break two rookie franchise records: rushing yards in a season and rushing yards in a single game.

Bell, selected one spot after Thomas in the draft (38th and 39th overall) from the University of Georgia, received 41 of 50 votes to earn the award. Bell, with his superb quickness and acceleration, wasted no time proving himself as a key part of the best defense in the NFL with his nine sacks among his 82 tackles.

"I was very anxious to get in and play when I got here," Bell said. "I didn't want to have a bum season or anything. I wanted to come out and establish myself."

Bell added about his success, "There was no pressure at all, playing with this team; they gave me so much support."