The Mel Farr Award is presented to the team’s outstanding rookie performer.
This award is given in honor of the Lions’ Mel Farr who enjoyed one of the finest rookie campaigns in team history. In that 1967 season, Farr led Detroit in both rushing (860 yards on 206 carries) and receiving (39 catches for 317 yards) and tied for the club lead in scoring with six touchdowns. As a result, he was named the Lions’ Offensive MVP and was honored as the NFL Rookie of the Year by the Sporting News.
This year's Mel Farr Rookie of the Year Award, as voted by the players, goes to tackle Taylor Decker:
- Decker became the first Lions rookie offensive tackle to start all 16 games in a season since Jeff Backus in 2001.