NFL Players Shine in Week 1: FedEx Air and Ground Players of the Week Nominees

Sep 9

Image of a football Helmet Generated and Edited by Robert Anthony Productions

An Exciting Update to the 22-Year-Old Program

As the 2024 NFL season kicks off, several standout athletes are already making waves with their exceptional performances. The FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week nominations for Week 1 honor those whose contributions have significantly impacted their teams. This year brings an exciting update to the 22-year-old FedEx Air & Ground Awards program—wide receivers and tight ends are now eligible, joining quarterbacks and running backs in the race for recognition. This change reflects the modern NFL’s emphasis on high-octane offense, where receiving and rushing threats are pivotal to team success.

The expanded eligibility offers a more comprehensive view of offensive performance, allowing fans to vote for their favorite athletes who delivered the best displays of skill during the regular season. Beyond recognizing individual achievements, FedEx continues its commitment to community support by donating to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Each week, $4,000 will be donated in the names of the winning players, supporting scholarships and fostering educational opportunities.

Air Nominees: Quarterbacks Leading by Example

Josh Allen – Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen showcased his dual-threat ability in Week 1. He completed 18 of 23 passes (78.3%) for 232 yards and two touchdowns, finishing with a stellar passer rating of 137.7. Allen also added 39 rushing yards and scored two rushing touchdowns. His balanced performance as both a passer and a runner continues to be a key factor in the Bills' offensive success and establishes him as one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league.

Baker Mayfield – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay's Baker Mayfield had an equally impressive showing, completing 24 of 30 passes (80.0%) for 289 yards and four touchdowns, earning a passer rating of 146.4. Mayfield’s sharp accuracy and decision-making were instrumental in the Buccaneers' strong start to the season. His ability to lead the team with precision passing and maintain control of the offense suggests that Tampa Bay could be a formidable contender in the NFC this year.

Ground Nominees: Rushing Stars Powering Their Teams

Saquon Barkley – Philadelphia Eagles
In his debut for the Philadelphia Eagles, Saquon Barkley demonstrated why he remains one of the premier running backs in the NFL. He amassed 132 scrimmage yards, with 109 rushing yards and 23 receiving yards, and scored three touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving). Barkley's versatility as both a runner and a receiver adds a dangerous dimension to the Eagles' offense, making them a top threat in the NFC East.

J.K. Dobbins – Los Angeles Chargers
J.K. Dobbins of the Los Angeles Chargers delivered a commanding performance, recording 139 scrimmage yards (135 rushing, four receiving) and scoring a rushing touchdown. Dobbins’ 5.8 yards per carry highlight his efficiency, and his ability to break through defenses suggests that he’ll play a pivotal role in the Chargers’ rushing attack throughout the season.

Joe Mixon – Houston Texans
Newly acquired Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon wasted no time making an impact, racking up 178 scrimmage yards (159 rushing, 19 receiving) and a rushing touchdown. Mixon’s debut performance with the Texans could signal a revitalization of the team’s offense. His ability to grind out tough yards on the ground and contribute in the passing game gives the Texans a much-needed offensive boost as they look to rebuild.

Jayden Reed – Green Bay Packers
Rookie wide receiver Jayden Reed quickly established himself as a key player for the Green Bay Packers, recording 171 scrimmage yards (138 receiving, 33 rushing) and two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving). Reed’s breakout performance highlights his versatility and playmaking ability, making him a player to watch as the Packers transition to a new era post-Aaron Rodgers. His impact on both the ground and through the air demonstrates the evolving role of wide receivers in modern NFL offenses.

Expanding the FedEx Air & Ground Awards

This season marks the first time in the program's history that wide receivers and tight ends are eligible for the FedEx Air & Ground Awards, reflecting the increasing importance of dynamic offensive players in today’s NFL. The weekly recognition is no longer limited to quarterbacks and running backs, acknowledging the critical contributions of receiving threats who can change the course of a game.

Each week during the regular season, fans can vote for their favorite players based on offensive performance. Voting is open from Monday morning to Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. ET on NFL.com/FedEx, as well as on X (formerly Twitter) via the NFL's @NFL account and through the NFL Mobile App. The FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Year Awards will be announced at the NFL Honors ceremony in New Orleans during Super Bowl LIX week.

Beyond the Field: FedEx’s Commitment to HBCUs

FedEx’s partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund continues to make a positive impact in higher education. For each week of the 2024 season, $2,000 will be donated in the name of each winning player to HBCUs, totaling more than $100,000 over the season. This commitment to fostering educational opportunities aligns with FedEx’s broader efforts to support diversity, equity, and inclusion. To date, the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Awards program has donated nearly $3 million to various charities, nonprofits, and humanitarian organizations, further extending the program’s influence beyond the gridiron.

What This Means for the NFL in 2024

As the NFL continues to evolve, the expanded FedEx Air & Ground Awards reflect the growing emphasis on multi-faceted offensive players. Running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends are no longer solely defined by their traditional roles; they are now critical to both rushing and passing schemes, with teams increasingly relying on their versatility. This shift is evident in the Week 1 nominees, who excelled not only in their specific positions but also in their ability to adapt and contribute in various phases of the game.

Beyond the Playing Field

At Info Decon, we explore the connections between sports, culture, and the broader impact of high-profile athletes and brands. Stay up to date with the latest trends in the NFL and see how companies like FedEx are using their platforms to make a difference in education and community development. Join the conversation and discover how the world of sports extends beyond the playing field at Info Decon.