Pepsi Zero Sugar Announces Week 5 NFL Rookie of the Week Nominees

What's Happening?

Pepsi Zero Sugar has announced the nominees for the NFL Rookie of the Week for Week 5. The nominees include quarterbacks Jaxson Dart from the Giants and Dillon Gabriel from the Browns, running back Jacory Croskey-Merrit from the Commanders, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka from the Buccaneers, safety Jonas Sanker from the Saints, and wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter from the Jaguars. Fans are invited to vote for their favorite rookie on the NFL's official website and mobile app until Thursday at 11:00 AM ET. The winner will be awarded the Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Week championship belt, with the announcement set for Thursday on NFL.com. This initiative is part of Pepsi's long-standing partnership with the NFL, marking its 25th year as the official soft drink sponsor and the 24th year of presenting the Rookie of the Week and Rookie of the Year awards.

Why It's Important?

The Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Week award highlights emerging talent in the league, providing recognition and encouragement to new players. This initiative not only engages fans by allowing them to participate in the voting process but also helps to build the profiles of young athletes early in their careers. For the NFL, this partnership with Pepsi enhances fan engagement and promotes the league's commitment to celebrating new talent. For Pepsi, it strengthens brand visibility and association with the excitement of the NFL season. The award can significantly impact the careers of the nominees, offering them increased media exposure and potential endorsement opportunities.

What's Next?

Following the announcement of the Week 5 winner, the focus will shift to the end-of-season Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year award. Six players will be nominated for this honor, and fans will have the opportunity to vote throughout January. This ongoing engagement keeps fans invested in the performance of rookies throughout the season. The nominees and eventual winner of the Rookie of the Year award will likely see increased attention from teams, sponsors, and media, potentially influencing their career trajectories and marketability.