Cincinnati Bengals Green, Kirkpatrick honored by PFWA

The Cincinnati Chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America on Monday named Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green as the 2016 Most Valuable Player and presented cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick the organization’s annual “Good Guy” award.

This marks the first PFWA MVP for Green in his six-year career. Despite playing in only nine games, Green compiled the best stretch of his career, averaging 96.4 yards per game. His previous high was 89.1. He also added four touchdowns before getting hurt in the 10th game of the season against Buffalo.

Green’s selection was unanimous.

Other past MVP winners have been QB Jon Kitna (2002-03), HB Rudi Johnson (’04), QB Carson Palmer (’05), OT Willie Anderson (’06), WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (’07-08), CBs Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph (’09), OT Andrew Whitworth (’10), QB Andy Dalton (’11 and ’15), DT Geno Atkins (’12), LB Vontaze Burfict (’13) and HB Jeremy Hill (’14).

Kirkpatrick, coming out of his fifth year, is the 16th recipient of the PFWA’s “Good Guy” award, given for professionalism and cooperation with media and understanding the media’s role in covering the team.

Past “Good Guy” winners have been FB Lorenzo Neal (2001), OT Willie Anderson (’02), HB Brandon Bennett (’03), LB Brian Simmons (’04), DT John Thornton (’05), WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (’06), DT Bryan Robinson (’07), G Bobbie Williams (’08), QB Carson Palmer (’09), HB Cedric Benson (’10), S Chris Crocker (’11), OT Andrew Whitworth (’12 and ’15), DT Domata Peko (’13) and DT Devon Still (’14).

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About the Author

Jay Morrison