BATON ROUGE ? Former LSU standout running back Joseph Addai is one of five players who have been named finalists for the NFL’s Rookie of the Year honor, the league has announced.
Addai, who led all NFL Rookies with 1,081 yards during the regular season, rushed for 122 yards and one touchdown on 25 carries in Indianapolis’ first round playoff win over Kansas City last week. Addai also caught seven passes for 26 yards in the 23-8 Colts victory.
In his first year in the NFL, Addai helped the Colts post a 12-4 mark during the regular season and to the AFC South Division title. Addai had two 100-yard rushing games during the regular season, which included a career-high 171 yards and four scores in the Colts’ 45-21 victory over the Eagles.
He also rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown and caught seven passes for 46 yards in a 17-16 win over Buffalo in week 10. For the year, Addai finished with 40 receptions for 325 yards and a score.
On the ground, Addai added seven rushing touchdowns to go with his 1,081 yards.
Addai capped his LSU career in 2005 ranked fifth in school history with 2,577 yards. He also added 18 rushing touchdowns during his career.
Addai was drafted with the 30th pick in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft becoming the first LSU running back taken in the first round of the draft since Harvey Williams was selected with the 21st pick in 1991.
Other finalists for the 2006 NFL Rookie of the Year Award include: Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young, New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush, Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew, and Chicago Bears return specialist Devin Hester.
Fans can vote for one of these five players on NFL.com between now and 11 a.m. CST on January 29 to determine the 2006 Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year.