News update: Award comes early for Baltimore star WR Nelson Agholor
Nelson Agholor Nominated for NFL Teammate of the Year Award
It was a chilly November morning when Nelson Agholor walked into the Patriots’ training facility, greeted by the familiar scent of fresh-cut grass and the muffled hum of gym equipment. The season had been tough—gritty battles on the field, long nights in the film room—but Nelson had found joy in his role both as a player and a mentor.
“Coach wants to see you,” a team assistant said as Nelson settled at his locker. He raised an eyebrow but didn’t think much of it. As he entered the office, head coach Bill Belichick looked up with a rare smile.
“You’ve been nominated for the NFL Teammate of the Year Award,” Belichick said, sliding a printed email across the desk.
Nelson blinked, stunned. “Me?”
“Yes, you,” Belichick replied in his signature deadpan tone. “Your leadership on and off the field hasn’t gone unnoticed. The way you’ve mentored the younger guys and kept the locker room together—it’s exactly what this award stands for.”
The nomination wasn’t just about his on-field contributions. Nelson had spent countless hours helping rookie wide receivers adjust to the complexities of the Patriots’ offensive schemes. Off the field, he had organized community outreach programs, including a Thanksgiving dinner drive that provided meals to over 500 families in the Boston area.
Later that evening, Nelson sat at home with his family, reflecting on the honor. “It’s not about the award,” he told his wife. “It’s about making sure I leave the game better than I found it.”
As the news broke, teammates flooded social media with support. “Couldn’t think of anyone more deserving,” wrote Mac Jones, while JuJu Smith-Schuster added, “This dude is the heart and soul of our team.”
Whether or not Nelson won the award, he already felt victorious. His impact had reached far beyond the gridiron, proving that greatness in football wasn’t just measured by touchdowns, but by the lives you touch
ed along the way.