Dallas Cowboys’ winners, losers, and best moments from NFL Honors

The NFL Honors ceremony was Thursday night, and the best and brightest stars from the NFL were there to celebrate the 2021 season and bring home some hardware. After not being able to host a live show with an audience last year due to COVID, it was nice to see the game’s best gather together and honor their peers. Members of the Dallas Cowboys organization were in attendance for the event.

From the jokes to the impressive fashion, the night was one to remember. But if you didn’t happen to catch it, don’t worry. We have a full roundup of what you missed if you’re a Cowboys fan.

The Dallas Cowboys winners, losers, style, jokes, and memorable quotes from the NFL honors

1. The Dallas Cowboys Winners

There were many members of the Cowboys organization up for prestigious awards. Linebacker Micah Parsons was nominated for both Defensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was nominated for Assistant Coach of the Year. Dak Prescott was up for both Walter Payton Man of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year. And, Cowboys legend DeMarcus Ware was a finalist for the 2022 Hall of Fame class.

So, who won?

Micah Parsons, AP Defensive Rookie of the Year

You know how at awards shows they at least take the time to honor all of the nominees in any given category even if everyone knows who is going to win the award? The NFL Honors didn’t even bother to do that for this award. They simply showed a highlight reel of Parsons’ season and handed him the trophy.

Parsons is now the first-ever rookie to unanimously be voted Defensive Rookie of the Year. And he deserves it. The rookie led the odds for the entirety of the season, but the runner-up, Patrick Surtain of the Denver Broncos, didn’t even get a mention! Parsons gave a nice acceptance speech which we will go over in a later slide.

Dan Quinn, AP Assistant Coach of the Year

This is a newer award for the NFL. But thanks to Quinn’s impressive turnaround of what was once a terrible defense, he earned himself this trophy. Quinn is well-liked by his players and was an integral part of the Cowboys’ success this season.

Twelve assistants received a selection for this award, but Quinn received an impressive 31 votes. The next closest coach was Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, who had four votes.

2. The Dallas Cowboys Losers

Sadly, not everyone from the Cowboys was able to be a winner. Prescott did not win either of the awards he was nominated for, Parsons lost DPOY, and DeMarcus Ware was snubbed for the 2022 Hall of Fame Class. Let’s break those down further.

Joe Burrow wins Comeback Player of the Year

This was a tough one. For most of the year, the Cowboys quarterback was thought to be a shoo-in for this award. After a gruesome ankle injury that literally caused his foot to be facing the wrong direction, Prescott rehabbed after two surgeries to get back on the field with his team. He started the year incredibly strong, which of course helped his chances.

The problem was that Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals ended the year hot. Burrow suffered an ACL and MCL tear. While Prescott and the Cowboys were cruising in the first half of the season, the soon-to-be Super Bowl quarterback and his crew struggled. The situation reversed in the second half. The voting is done immediately after the season, so you have to imagine that Burrow’s strong finish helped him win the award.

Both players were very deserving but Prescott received 21 of 50 votes and Burrow received 28 (Derwin James of the Chargers had one vote).

Andrew Whitworth wins Walter Payton Man of the Year

The Walter Payton Man of the Year award is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious awards in the NFL. It goes to a player who shows excellence both on and off the field through their community service work. Because each of the 32 teams gets a nominee, this is always a tough award to win. All of the nominees were at the NFL Honors and were honored on stage before the award was handed out.

While Prescott does excellent work to help causes such as cancer, systemic racism, and mental health, all 32 players were deserving. This year, 40-year-old Los Angeles Rams OT Andrew Whitworth won for his several charitable actions in Los Angeles. He gave a very compelling and emotional speech.

TJ Watt wins Defensive Player of the Year

Unfortunately, Parsons wasn’t able to take this one home. But Watt is definitely deserving of the trophy. He tied Michael Strahan’s single-season sack record despite missing two games. This will likely only make the rookie more hungry to win the award next year.

DeMarcus Ware does NOT make the 2022 Hall of Fame class

There were 15 finalists for this year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame class. Usually, four to eight are chosen to be inducted each year. Despite his compelling resume, Cowboys legend DeMarcus Ware was not selected. Many people were surprised and disappointed that the linebacker did not make the cut.

Included in the class are:

• Tony Boselli – an offensive tackle for the Jacksonville Jaguars
• Cliff Branch – a wide receiver for the Raiders
• Leroy Butler – a strong safety for the Green Bay Packers
• Art McNally – an NFL referee from 1968 to 1991
• Sam Mills -a linebacker for the Saints and Panthers
• Richard Seymour – a defensive tackle for the New England Patriots
• Dick Vermeil – a 15-year head coach
• Bryant Young – a defensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers

3. The Dallas Cowboys Fashion

It’s no secret that NFL players love to get dressed up. In a career where you have to wear a uniform for most of your life, it’s fun to see each player’s unique fashion style. I am no fashion wizard, but here is what some Cowboys wore.

Micah Parsons

Parsons brought his adorable son to the award show as well. The two of them were wearing matching black suits. Parsons also had a giant watch, sparkly Air Force 1s, and a giant lion medallion that probably weighed more than his kid. The two looked very dapper.

Michael Irvin

Michael Irvin was at the ceremony to present an award and cheer on the Cowboys. He was wearing quite the eye-catching silver suit jacket with gold details. According to…himself… he was “clean as a well-run machine.”

Dak Prescott

The Cowboys quarterback went for a sleek, all-black look and was accompanied by his girlfriend. If you click on the picture, you’ll see he went for the often-trendy short slacks, no socks in dress shoes look.

Jerry Jones

Is Jerry Jones ever not going to attend something? This man just loves the limelight He wore a black suit with a polka dot tie, and of course, a star pin.

4. The Dallas Cowboys Jokes

Of course, every award show has to have jokes. Host Keegan-Michael Key was throwing shots at anyone he could. He took digs at Urban Meyer, Bill Belichick, and, of course, the Cowboys. Here are some of the funnier moments from the NFL Honors.

Keegan-Michael Key roasts Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy with Sean Payton joke

Key said he wanted to congratulate his friend Sean Payton on retiring from coaching. He followed that with, “Sean will now return to his true passion… finding a way to take Mike McCarthy’s job.” It was funny. But it was definitely awkward given Jones, Prescott, and Parsons were there.

Micah Parsons’ son missed his award speech because he needed a “potty break”

In his speech, Parsons thanked his family and said his son is “here,” but had to take a potty break. They then cut to his empty seat.

Dak Prescott singing in the opening monologue

Key sang a song about being excited about being back. He had different audience members participate, including Prescott. It was a bit about refs ruining the night. Please enjoy the quarterback’s attempt to sing.

Micah Parsons’ son Malcolm steals the show

Not only were they wearing matching outfits, but the little guy was given his own microphone to blabber random thoughts into. It was quite cute.

5. The Memorable Quotes

While the evening was very fun, there were some sentimental and nice. Here’s a look at those:

Micah Parsons’ DROY Acceptance Speech

Despite knowing he won the award unanimously, Parsons remained humble. He made sure to shout out Penn State, his family, Cowboys Nation. He also made sure to shout out his hometown of Harrisburg, PA, saying “this is hope that we can all do it one day.”

Michael Irvin helps recognizes Carl Nassib for his impact on the LGBTQ+ community

For a man who is normally vocal and opinionated, this was a nice moment for Michael Irvin. He spoke about learning that his own brother was gay and honored Raiders Carl Nassib for coming out this year and working closely with The Trevor Project.

Dak Prescott tells reporters what it means to be nominated for WPMOY and CPOY

Prescott says he is humbled and honored by both nominations.

DeMarcus Ware congratulates Hall of Fame

https://twitter.com/DeMarcusWare/status/1491982753642041377

This was a nice look for a guy who many thought was snubbed. Ware will hopefully make the Hall of Fame next year.