The George Young-Ernie Accorsi Media Good Guy Award recognizes a player “for his consistent and outstanding cooperation with the writers who cover the New York Giants on a daily basis.”
The award is voted on by the Giants chapter of the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA), and this year’s recipient is Saquon Barkley.
Barkley becomes the 23rd recipient of this award and is also up for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
The Giants and Barkley didn’t start the 2023 season the way they wanted to, from his contract negotiations and franchise tag to the team’s 1-5 start, it was rough. And while the season saw the Giants endure continuous adversity, there was improvement in some areas and we learned a lot about the team.
Barkley is finishing up his one-year contract this Sunday and the Giants will certainly look for a way to retain him. His 916 yards and four touchdowns on the ground may not be what he has put up in the past, but that’s largely due to rushing behind the worst offensive line in the NFL.
A dynamic and versatile running back on the field, Barkley is the consummate professional off the field, which is why he was granted this award and is up for the Walter Payton Award.
What Barkley does on the field makes him a phenomenal running back, he has all the intangibles a coach looks for. But what he does off the field is what makes him a great human being.
Both are reasons the Giants need to keep him around.
