Male Athlete of the Year: LaDainian Tomlinson- LaDainian Tomlinson had one of the most memorable NFL seasons in recent history. It’s hard to name a record that he didn’t break in 2006. The most prestigious record was touchdowns in a season with 28. That broke the record of 27 set just one year ago by Shaun Alexander. Tomlinson also had an outstanding 1815 yards rushing. This was first in the league by 26 yards to Larry Johnson who had almost 70 more rush attempts then Tomlinson. LT also broke the record for most 100 yard rushing games in a row with 9. Did I mention that he can throw? Well, Tomlinson can most certainly throw. In 2006 he was 2 for 3 throwing 2 touchdowns and a QB rating of 125. In 2006 a lot of athletes had great seasons but none greater than that of LaDainian Tomlinson.

Female Athlete of the Year: Lorena Ochoa- Ochoa definitely deserved to receive the honors in 2006. Ochoa won six tournaments in 2006 including an intense battle at the Samsung World Championship against the very talented Annika Sorenstam. Sorenstam had a two shot lead going into the final round, but Ochoa turned up the heat in the last round and edged the win by shooting a 65 to win by two. This was sort of a passing of the torch because Sorenstam had been named the AP’s Female Athlete of the Year for the last three consecutive years. The women’s tour will have a new threat for many years to come.

Champion Team of the Year: Texas Longhorns- For my Champion Team of the Year I had to go all the way back to four days into 2006 when the Texas Longhorns upset USC. This was a great bowl game that had excitement up until they very last touchdown. The touchdown that had Vince Young running into the endzone on a fourth and five to give Texas the lead and the victory. The Longhorns finished the season at 13-0 and Vince Young finished the Rose Bowl with 200 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.

Team of the Year: New Orleans Saints- They have been called “America’s Team” and they were definitely an inspiration for the entire sports world in 2006. The Saints had a magical season in 2006, starting with the reopen of the Louisiana Superdome. With the aftereffects of Katrina still fresh in their minds, and coming off a 2005 season in which they went 3-13 the Saints really surprised all the experts. In 06’ the Saints posted a wonderful record of 10-6 which was good enough to boost them into the playoffs, and grant them a first round bye. The Saints team last year had talent all throughout the roster. From their sensational rookies to the veteran leaders of the team the Saints definitely weren’t short on talent. The New Orleans Saints were a fairy tale story in 2006 and that’s why they get my Team of the Year.