Huge rookie season earns Cadillac team Most Valuable Player Award

By RICK STROUD
Published January 2, 2006

TAMPA - It took three games for Cadillac Williams to get his shoes sent to the Hall of Fame. Then his quick feet helped carry the Bucs to the playoffs.

That's why the running back was named Tampa Bay's MVP in a media poll. Williams received 10 votes, receiver Joey Galloway five and cornerback Ronde Barber and quarterback Chris Simms one.

It's the second straight season a rookie has won the award. Receiver Michael Clayton won in 2004 after catching 80 passes for 1,193 yards and seven touchdowns, all club rookie records.

Williams finished with 290 carries for 1,178 yards, fifth most in team history, and six touchdowns. The fifth overall draft pick from Auburn is the team's second rookie and sixth player to rush for 1,000 yards in a season, and the Bucs went 6-0 when he rushed for 100 yards.

He was the NFL's offensive rookie of the month for September after setting a league record with 434 yards in his first three games.

"Wow, that's amazing," Williams said of his accomplishments. "You can't ask for too much more except a Super Bowl, and I'm asking for it now."

Williams also topped the Times online poll of fans as of 9 p.m. Sunday. He received 38 percent of the vote with 294. Barber was second with 204. Simms had 138, Galloway 115 and defensive lineman Chris Hovan 27.

[Last modified January 2, 2006, 02:30:25]