Published on: Thursday, February 07, 2013

By Brandy L. Simms

The Associated Press reported last weekend that Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III was named the NFL’s 2012 Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Griffin, who led the Redskins to the NFC East division title and was selected to the Pro Bowl, beat out fellow rookie quarterbacks Andrew Luck of the Indianapolis Colts and Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks to earn the honor.

“It’s truly a blessing to be up here and to be able to stand first and foremost,” Griffin said while accepting the award at a ceremony in New Orleans on Saturday night.

During the 2012 campaign, the 22-year-old completed 258-of-393 passes for 3,200 yards, 20 touchdowns and threw only five interceptions while compiling a passer rating of 102.4.

He also carried the ball 120 times for 815 yards with seven rushing touchdowns. His 102.4 passer rating, 1.3 interception rate and 815 rushing yards are all NFL records for a rookie quarterback.

Griffin, who was injured in the Redskins’ playoff loss to Seattle, had reconstructive surgery on his right knee on Jan. 9.

“The knee is good,” he said. “I’m pretty far ahead. I don’t want to scare anyone, so I’ll take it slow. My goal is Week 1.”

Griffin received 29 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who cover the league on a regular basis. Luck received 11 votes and Wilson compiled 10.

“All the competition for this award is extremely good,” said Griffin. “It seems like the league is in good hands with the young quarterbacks.”