Eddie Lacy Contender for NFL Rookie of the Year

At Alabama, Eddie Lacy was always "that other guy" at running back.  His first two years at the Capstone were spent sitting behind Heisman winner Mark Ingram and third-overall pick Trent Richardson.  He started his junior season, and had a break-out campaign that included MVP recognitions in the SEC and BCS title games.  However, he shared the stage with TJ Yeldon, who got more coverage after scoring the game-winning touchdown against LSU.  Bama fans loved Lacy, but the rest of the nation was still discovering him.

NFL scouts also took notice, and the Green Bay Packers liked what they saw.  They took Lacy in the second round of the draft, hoping he would be the key to turning around one of the leagues worst rushing offenses, as well as another weapon for Pro-Bowl QB Aaron Rodgers.  Lacy has not disappointed.  In one season, he has done what no other Bama back since Shaun Alexander has: rush for over 1,000 yards in a season in the NFL.

Lacy was never a Heisman contender in college, but as a pro he has already established himself as a star.  His 1,028 yards rank as 7th best in the league, and he has 8 rushing touchdowns to go along with that.  In his last game, against the Dallas Cowboys, Lacy rushed for 141 yards and scored the game-winning touchdown as part of Green Bay's unbelievable comeback.  With Aaron Rodgers injured, Lacy has been the key to keeping Green Bay within the playoff hunt.  All this has made him the front runner for Offensive Rookie of the Year.  Lacy also stands a good chance of being invited to the Pro Bowl, an amazing accomplishment for a rookie running back.

Lacy's biggest challenger for the ROY award would be San Diego Chargers receiver Keenan Allen.  Ironically, Allen was originally committed to play safety at Alabama before deciding to join his brother at Cal, where he switched to receiver.  Allen has been a big factor in Phillip Rivers' resurgence this season.  However, he has yet to reach the 1,000-yard mark, and the Chargers are far behind the Broncos and Chiefs for a playoff spot.  If both players stay on their current paces, Lacy should win the award.  Running back Giovanni Bernard of the Cincinnati Bengals could also challenge.

It has been a disappointing season for Packers fans with Rodgers' injury.  However, they have gotten behind Eddie in a major way.  Chants of "Eddie, Eddie" echo throughout Lambeau Field on gameday.  If Rodgers can make a full recovery for next season (as well as up-and-coming receiver Randall Cobb), the Packers offense could be one of the most balanced attacks in the NFC.

Bama roots run deep in Packer lore.  Don Hutson helped revolutionize the passing game as one of the first star receivers in the NFL, and Bart Starr won NFL titles, including the first two Super Bowls, as quarterback of the legendary 1960's Packers teams.  Iconic Packers coach Vince Lombardi even famously joked, "We haven't played Alabama yet" when asked by a reporter how it felt to have the best team in America.  Lacy has gone from one legendary team to another, and Bama fans could not be more proud.