Ja’Marr Chase Beats Steelers’ Najee Harris for NFL Rookie of the Year

By Cale Berger

·Updated: February 6, 2022

CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 12: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) carries the ball during the game against the Minnesota Vikings and the Cincinnati Bengals on September 12, 2021, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire)

Bengals WR Chase Rookie Steelers — CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 12: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) carries the ball during the game against the Minnesota Vikings and the Cincinnati Bengals on September 12, 2021, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire)

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris finished as the runner-up to Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase for the NFL Rookie of the Year, the league announced on Saturday.

The awarded was voted on by a record number of fans on Twitter and at NFL.com.

The fifth overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, Chase finished fifth in the league and led all rookies with 1,455 receiving yards. Chase also caught 13 touchdowns.

Harris rushed for 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns during his rookie campaign. He also recorded 74 receptions for 467 yards and three touchdowns.

Both players were selected to the 2022 AFC Pro Bowl team, Chase as part of the initial roster, and Harris as a replacement. Chase will not be participating, as his Bengals are preparing to play in Super Bowl LVI next Sunday.

The other four finalists were Patriots quarterback Mac Jones, Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts and Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.