Voters on NFL.com have made their choice. Linebacker Nick Barnett of the Green Bay Packers is the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week for games played on October 5-6, the NFL announced Thursday.
Barnett recorded a team-high 12 tackles and 1.0 sack in the Packers' 35-13 win over Seattle. Barnett leads the team with 44 tackles and has recorded 2.0 sacks and two interceptions this season.
More than 42,000 fans voted this week on NFL.com. Barnett was selected from among five finalists and also won the Pepsi Rookie of the Week award in week two. The other finalists were Seattle Seahawks kicker Josh Brown, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Byron Leftwich, Dallas Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman and Minnesota Vikings running back Onterrio Smith.
After the regular season, five players will be nominated for Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year honors. Fans can vote for the winner on NFL.com throughout the month of January. The winner will be announced at a press conference at Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston.
This is Pepsi's second year as the official soft drink sponsor of the NFL.
2003 PEPSI NFL ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
Wk 1: WR Anquan Boldin, Arizona (Florida State)
Wk 2: LB Nick Barnett, Green Bay (Oregon State)
Wk 3: CB Asante Samuel, New England (Central Florida)
Wk 4: WR Andre Johnson, Houston (Miami)
Wk 5: LB Nick Barnett, Green Bay (Oregon State)
