SHEBOYGAN FALLS, Wis. -- Mike Daniels was the first name on the list of nominees. As the next few names and highlight reels flashed across the Wisconsin Sports Awards screen, the Green Bay Packers veteran defensive leader started to think that maybe, just maybe, a do-the-dirty-work, unsung defensive end could win.
He then saw Aaron Rodgers' name, turned to teammate Ty Montgomery and shook his head, figuring his chances of being named “professional athlete of the year” Tuesday night were basically nil.
But he was wrong.
“As soon as they showed Aaron, we said, ‘Well, we know who the award’s going to.