For the past three seasons, VIZIO, America's #1 LCD HDTV Company, has recognized the professional football player who has performed above and beyond expectations, relative to his contract, with its groundbreaking VIZIO TOP VALUE PERFORMER award.
At the conclusion of the 2007 season, the inaugural VIZIO TOP VALUE PERFORMER hardware went to Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard, who went from back-up QB to All-PRO that season and parlayed his success and the award into a new contract. In 2008, then-New England and now Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel stepped in for an injured QB legend despite not having started a game under center since high school. Cassel led the team to eleven victories, taking home VIZIO TOP VALUE PERFORMER honors. Last year, New York wide receiver Steve Smith was thrust into the starting line-up after the team suffered key losses at the wide receiver position. Smith answered the challenge by setting a new team record for receptions with 107. His breakout performance on-the-field, in conjunction with his social media work off-the-field, helped him earn the 2009 VIZIO TOP VALUE PERFORMER award.
VIZIO TOP VALUE PERFORMER finalists are evaluated based on their regular season performances and statistics and the role they played in the success of their teams. These factors are then measured against their base salaries to come up with the five finalists.
WR - NEW YORK
After only totaling 65 catches for 637 receiving yards in his first two seasons combined, he found himself as the #1 receiver for New York after key off-season losses in 2009. He responded by shattering the New York team record for receptions with 107 and almost doubled his career total for receiving yards with 1,220. Number 12 was ranked second in the league for receptions and the fans recognized his value by naming him the 2009 VIZIO TOP VALUE PERFORMER.
QB - NEW ENGLAND
Entering 2008, he wasn't on anyone's radar thanks to the overbearing shadow of the league's most heralded QB. But after the New England starter's week-one season-ending injury, he was thrust into the starting role. After leading his team to 11 victories, throwing for over 3,600 yards and 21 TDs, New England's number 16 ran away with VIZIO’s 2008 TVP Award.
QB - JACKSONVILLE
In 2007, his pre-season performance was so impressive, the team released its starting quarterback and handed over the reins. The move proved to be a wise one, as Jacksonville made it to the playoffs with an 11-5 record and number 9 finished as the league’s third highest-rated passer (102.2), throwing only three interceptions all season.