Latest On Rookie QB Tyler Shough NFL’s Rookie Of the Week Nomination
NEW ORLEANS —New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has officially been nominated for the Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Week award for his outstanding Week 15 performance, the league announced on Tuesday.
The nomination places the second-year pro alongside a star group of young talent from around the league and gives fans the chance to vote for one of the most exciting rookie breakout efforts of the season.
Shough’s candidacy comes on the heels of his leadership in the Saints’ dramatic 20-17 comeback win over the Carolina Panthers, a result that not only improved New Orleans’ record but also highlighted the quarterback’s rapid development as a first-year starter.
After taking over the starting job earlier in the season, Shough’s performance has become one of the biggest talking points of the 2025 campaign. In Week 15, the rookie signal-caller completed 24 of 32 passes for 272 yards and a touchdown, while also adding 32 rushing yards on eight carries, guiding the Saints’ offense through a clutch late-game drive that set up the winning field goal.
“It was just about making plays and trusting the guys around me,” Shough said after the game, speaking to reporters about his growth as the season has progressed. Though the Saints still face an uphill battle toward playoff contention, Shough’s individual progress has become a silver lining for a franchise in the midst of rebuilding.
The Pepsi Rookie of the Week award celebrates top performances by NFL newcomers and is determined by fan voting on NFL.com and the NFL Mobile app.
Past winners have ranged from offensive standouts to disruptive defenders, and this season’s crop — featuring the likes of fellow nominees such as Jacory Croskey-Merritt, TreVeyon Henderson, and Abdul Carter — underscores the depth of rookie talent in the league.
Shough’s rise to prominence hasn’t been linear. Drafted by the Saints in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, he entered the season in a backup role but earned the starting job after a mid-season quarterback change. Though early results were mixed, he quickly demonstrated poise and playmaking ability that belied his recent transition to the professional game.
In particular, Shough has shown an affinity for stepping up in big moments. His Week 14 performance included a clutch touchdown pass and effective ground play in an upset win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and his Week 15 heroics only built on that narrative.
Fans can cast their vote for Shough through Thursday morning, and given the high-visibility nature of quarterback play and fan engagement, he has a real shot at securing the honor — a pulse-checking accolade that often foreshadows greater things.
For a young Saints team looking for a building block under center, Tyler Shough’s nomination is more than just a weekly recognition — it’s a signal of potential franchise momentum.