Sheldon Richardson has described Kiko Alonso and Tyrann Mathieu's rookie seasons in the NFL as "outstanding".
The New York Jets defensive tackle beat the Buffalo Bills linebacker and Arizona Cardinals safety to the league's defensive rookie of the year award.
The 23-year-old told ESPN: "I'm surprised. Kiko and Tyrann most definitely had outstanding rookie years and it was a toss-up to me.
"Kiko made a lot of tackles and Tyrann made a lot of plays down the field. Unfortunately he got hurt, but it was a tight race."
Richardson made 77 tackles, 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble in his debut season.
