Is RGIII the rookie of the year for 2012? You bet. The 2012 NFL rookie quarterback class was exceptional and featured three future stars who could shape the league for years to come. But when it came time to select the 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, Robert Griffin III beat out a competitive field that included Russell Wilson and Andrew Luck.
The Associated Press voters made the right choice in selecting Robert Griffin III for the prestigious award at the NFL Honors ceremony. The Washington Redskins gunslinger led one of the most talented rookie crops of quarterbacks in NFL history.
“Well, it’s truly a blessing to be up here and be able to stand, first and foremost,” Griffin said when accepting the award while recovering from knee surgery. “It seems like the league’s in good hands with the young quarterbacks.”
Why RGIII Rookie of the Year Was the Right Choice
Griffin emerged as the clear winner because of his consistent excellence from week one. Russell Wilson was great for Seattle, but needed five or six weeks to become a significant factor in the offense. Andrew Luck experienced a dip in performance during the season’s final stretch. Griffin was solid from stem to stern. His steady excellence throughout the season made him the more deserving candidate.
RGIII’s Historic Rookie Season Statistics
Griffin’s 2012 campaign was nothing short of spectacular. He became the first player in NFL history to achieve the rare combination of passing for over 3,000 yards, rushing for more than 800 yards, and maintaining a completion percentage above 60 percent.
His final numbers were impressive across the board:
- 3,200 passing yards
- 815 rushing yards (a league rookie record)
- 27 total touchdowns
- Over 100 QB rating
- 60+ percent completion rate (65.6%)
These statistics tell only part of the story. Griffin transformed a franchise that had struggled under owner Dan Snyder’s leadership, leading the Redskins to their first NFC East championship since 1999. The second overall pick was voted team captain and orchestrated a seven-game winning streak following the team’s Week 10 bye, ultimately securing a division title and home playoff game at FedEx Field.
The Legacy of the 2012 Rookie Class
While all three quarterbacks were worthy of great praise, Griffin’s immediate franchise transformation and historic statistical achievements made him the standout choice.
The 2012 rookie quarterback class proved that sometimes there are no wrong choices, but there can still be a right one.
Hail.
