Seahawks' Drake Thomas Wins MIP, Sets Tone for Repeat

0:00It's April 6th, I'm Cory with the story, and this is NFL News Today, your AI-powered football briefing. Seahawks just hoisted their second Super Bowl trophy ever, beating the Pats in Super Bowl 60 at Levi Stadium, their first win since the 20, their team 14 run. Coming into last season, nobody gave them much shot as contenders, but they shocked the league and now head into 20-26 as favorites too. Repeat, to celebrate the team's dishing out A-Player Awards, starting with most improved player going to linebacker Drake Thomas. Thomas exploded from barely playing defense in 2024-13 tackles in 37 snaps to a starter with 96 tackles, 10-4. Loss, 3.5 sacks and an interception over 763 snaps last year. This undrafted free agent from 2023 out of North Carolina State grabbed the inside linebacker spot next to Ernest Jones the 4th by. Week 4, turning special team's duty into elite play.

1:01Fans and coaches can't stop buzzing about how Thomas and Jones locked down the league's top-run defense, backing that front line and pushing the unit to new heights. His postseason shine, 18 tackles and three games, sealed the deal, and the Seahawks locked him up with a $2-year $8-million extension through 2027. Honorable mentions go to defensive lineman Byron Murphy II, who jumped to 62 tackles in 7-6 in year 2, tight-end AJ Barner, doubling his catches to 52 for 519 yards and 6 scores and safety tie Okata, stepping up big with 65 tackles and a pick when injuries hit. That linebacker core sets the tone for another run, keeping Seattle's defense nasty and the hype alive as they chase back-to-back rings.