New York, NY – Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin and Green Bay Packers cornerback Casey Hayward have been selected as the NFL's top rookies for the month of October.
Martin, the 31st overall pick of the draft, captured the offensive rookie honors after leading the NFL with 155.7 scrimmage yards per game to help the Bucs finish 2-1 in October. The Boise State products' month was highlighted by a monster Week 8 performance where he rushed for 135 yards and a touchdown and also added 79 yards and a score through the air.
He became the first rookie in the past 25 season to rush for at least 135 yards and have at least 75 receiving yards in one game.
Hayward, a second round selection in 2012, was tied for the NFL lead for October with four interceptions. All four of the former Vanderbilt standout's interceptions game in a three-game span, and became the first Packers rookie to do so since 1984 (Tom Flynn). Hayward's three interceptions are the most among rookies this season and tied for third-most in the NFL this year.
Others considered for the offensive award were Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck, the first overall pick of the draft who threw for 1,125 yards and three touchdowns; Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson, a third round selection out of Wisconsin, who passed for 872 yards and six touchdowns and; Tennessee wide receiver Kendall Wright who had 22 receptions for 203 yards and a touchdown.
Defensive nominees included Cincinnati linebacker Vontaze Burfict who had 30 tackles and one fumble recovery; Oakland linebacker Miles Burris and Carolina linebacker Luke Kuechly, who registered 37 tackles, one interception and a fumble recovery.
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