Michigan rush end Aidan Hutchinson wins the Lombardi Award
Michigan outside linebacker/defensive end Aidan Hutchinson has captured yet another honor. The junior, projected by many as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, added the Lombardi Award to his collection Thursday night.
Hutchinson won the award over three other finalists — Kenyon Green (offensive lineman, Texas A&M), Mike Rose ( linebacker, Iowa State) and center Tyler Linderbaum of Iowa.
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The Lombardi is awarded to the offensive or defensive lineman or linebacker who, in addition to outstanding performance and ability on the field, best exemplifies the character and discipline of NFL Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi.
“If there’s a better player out there that’s draft-eligible that’s better than Aidan Hutchinson, I have not seen that player,” Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh said before Hutchinson’s four-tackle, one-sack game against Iowa.
Hutchinson is also a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. The Michigan captain will be in New York Saturday night for the presentation.
“None of my success on that field — [you talk] about the broken records, but I can’t break any of those records without my teammates doing their jobs on every single one of those plays,” Hutchinson said in accepting the award. “I couldn’t be more grateful for them and proud they’re doing their jobs and I’m receiving the fruits from it.”
He thanked several people, including Michigan coaches Harbaugh and Shaun Nua, but especially his parents. His father, Chris, was an All-American tackle at Michigan in the early 1990s wearing the same number 97.
“They’ve really made a mark on my life in regards to football and in regards to life and giving life lessons,” Hutchinson said. “I’m so grateful for them really guiding me on this journey through football and life.”
Hutchinson is third nationally in sacks this year, having notched 14, a Michigan football single-season record. Pro Football Focus tabs him the highest-rated defensive player college football with a 94.7 grade, and his 15 pressures against Ohio State were also a PFF record.
Former Michigan end LaMarr Woodley was U-M’s last Lombardi winner (2006).
