Cornerback Tariq Woolen and running back Kenneth Walker III, two members of a draft class that played a big role in the Seahawks success this season, have been named finalists for the Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year Award.
Walker and Woolen are two of six finalists for the award along with Jets cornerback Ahmad Gardner, Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, Saints receiver Chris Olave and Jets receiver Garrett Wilson.
The winner of the Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year Award is determined by fan vote, with the voting period open now through February 3. Fans can vote at https://www.nfl.com/voting/rookies/rookie-of-the-year or in the poll below. The winner will be recognized during Super Bowl Week in Arizona and will be presented with a special designed Pepsi Zero Sugar-themed trophy.
Woolen, a fifth-round pick out of UTSA, won a starting job in training camp and went on to record six interceptions, tied for the most in the NFL and a Seahawks rookie record, as well as 16 passes defensed, tied for fourth most in the NFL.
Walker, a second-round pick out of Michigan State, took over a starting role after Rashaad Penny suffered a season-ending injury, and despite starting only 11 games, he went on to lead NFL rookies with 1,215 scrimmage yards, 1,050 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns. One of two rookies in franchise history to rush for 1,000 yards along with Curt Warner, Walker had five 100-yard games in 2022, the most by a rookie back since Saquon Barkley had six in 2018.
Walker and Woolen were two of eight rookies to make significant contributions for the Seahawks this year along tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas, cornerback Coby Bryant, outside linebacker Boye Mafe, receiver Dareke Young and safety Joey Blount, who signed as an undrafted free agent.
The Pepsi Rookie of the Year Award has been given out since 2002 with one Seahawk winning in the past, quarterback Russell Wilson in 2012.
Both Walker and Woolen have strong cases for Associated Press Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, which will be announced during NFL Honors on February 9.
Go behind the scenes with team photographer Rod Mar as he shares moments from the Seahawks' Wild Card game vs. the San Francisco 49ers on January 14, 2023 at Levi's Stadium. Eye On The Hawks is presented by Western Washington Toyota Dealers.
12s line Seahawks Way as the team buses head to the airport for the trip to Santa Clara to face the 49ers.
12s cheer as the Seahawks team buses head to the airport for the trip to Santa Clara to face the 49ers.
Seahawks defensive lineman Myles Adams boards the Delta charter with teammates.
On the flight to the Bay Area, DK Metcalf chats with Noah Fant, Drew Lock and Cade Johnson (back to camera).
Heavy rains have battered Northern California, and the Seahawks arrived at the San Jose Airport to the results of the weather.
On game day, Boye Mafe on the team bus before his teammates board.
Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, head coach Pete Carroll and team Vice-President of Coaching Operations Matt Capurro tour the field before the game.
The Seahawks gather in the visitors locker room for their "team up".
Running back Kenneth Walker III stretches on the field before the game.
Head coach Pete Carroll greets starting linebacker Tanner Muse during the team stretch period.
Linebacker A.J. Johnson gets hyped during pregame warmups.
Seahawks safety Jamal Adams, who was injured earlier in the year, was with the team for the Wild-Card playoff game.
Seahawks captain Tyler Lockett speaks to the team before they leave the locker room for kickoff.
Seahawks captains Nick Bellore, Al Woods and Quandre Diggs make their way to midfield for the coin toss.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith fires a pass from the pocket in the first quarter.
Running back Kenneth Walker III returns to the sidlines after scoring Seattle's first touchdown.
Seahawks defensive lineman Poona Ford pursues 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.
Seahawks tight end Noah Fant leaps for more yardage on a catch in the second quarter.
Kenneth Walker III runs away from the 49ers defense.
Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf hauls in a 50-yard touchdown completion from Geno Smith in the second quarter.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith celebrates after his 50-yard touchdown strike to DK Metcalf.
Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf escapes a tackle attempt and finds running room.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers reacts after hammering home a 56-yard field goal at the end of the first half.
Seahawks head coach Pete Carolll celebrates with his kicker Jason Myers after a last-second field goal to take the lead into halftime.
At halftime, the offense meets in the locker room.
Head coach Pete Carroll fires up the team at halftime.
Safety Ryan Neal makes a tackle in the third quarter.
DK Metcalf makes juggling catch in the third quarter.
Tight ends coach Pat McPherson meets with Noah Fant and Colby Parkinson during a break in the action.
Seahawks safety Ryan Neal and linebacker Boye Mafe combine on a tackle in the third quarter.
Near the end of the game, offensive guard Gabe Jackson hugs quarterback Geno Smith as the season winds to an end.
In the postgame locker room, quarterback Geno Smith talks to his teammates and coaches.
Head coach Pete Carroll hugs linebacker Uchenna Nwosu.
Long after the rest of the team had headed for the buses, receivers DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Penny Hart talked among themselves in the empty locker room.
Quarterback Geno Smith was the last player off the Delta charter after it arrived in Seattle on Saturday night.
