IRVINE, Calif: VIZIO, Inc. announced nominees for its eleventh annual VIZIO Top Value Performer (TVP) award which aims to recognize the professional football player whose on-field performance most exceeds the value of their base salary.
Just as this season's TVP candidates serve as a great value to their respective teams, VIZIO continues to provide value to consumers as one of America's leading consumer electronics brands. The crop of candidates recognized for their efforts in the 2017 season features some of the top up-and-coming players in the league including Green Bay's Davante Adams, Baltimore's Alex Collins, Chicago's Jordan Howard, New Orleans' Alvin Kamara, and Minnesota's Jerick McKinnon. Fans are invited to visit VIZIO.com/TVP to vote for the player they believe is most deserving of TVP honors between now and January 14, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
VIZIO has once again partnered with pro-football analyst and former general manager, Charley Casserly, to expertly determine this year's most deserving TVP nominees. In addition to Casserly, VIZIO also sought insight from Hall of Fame Running Back Terrell Davis, himself a former late round pick who added tremendous value to a championship winning team. Candidates for this year's TVP award were evaluated and selected based on their regular season performances, statistics and role in the success of their respective teams. These factors were then measured against their annual base salaries to select the five finalists.
"When we started the TVP Award over a decade ago, we wanted to give fans across the country the chance to recognize the incredible performances and value these talented players bring to their respective teams," said Jeila Foroozani, VIZIO Director of Corporate Marketing. "This season's class is bursting with star power and we are excited for a highly competitive race where each nominee will rally for fan votes to clinch Top Value Performer honors."
VIZIO is looking to fans nationwide to choose the 2017 Top Value Performer by voting online at VIZIO.com/TVP from now until January 14, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Fans visiting the site can also browse candidate stats and browse highlight videos from Casserly about each player. Fans are encouraged to vote as many times as they'd like to help their favorite candidate win the 2017 Top Value Performer award. Following each vote, fans will have a chance to enter a sweepstakes to win a VIZIO SmartCast M-Series 65" Class Ultra HD HDR Home Theater Display, along with a VIZIO SmartCast 45" 5.1 Sound Bar System.
The 2017 VIZIO Top Value Performer nominees include:
Davante Adams, Wide Receiver, Green Bay #17 (Twitter @tae15adams // #TVPAdams)
Now in his fourth year in Green Bay, Davante Adams has developed into one of the top weapons in the team's lethal passing attack. Adams has overcome injuries and uncertainty at the quarterback position to continue producing strong numbers. This season Adams is the most targeted receiver on the team and is on pace to lead Green Bay in both catches and yards for the first time in his career. Given his importance to the offense and his base salary of just $956,373 Adams has forced himself into consideration for the 2017 TVP award.
Alex Collins, Running Back, Baltimore #34 (Twitter @budda03 // #TVPCollins)
In his first season in Baltimore Alex Collins started the season as a backup, but as he continued to take advantage of each opportunity he had on the field he became impossible to keep on the sidelines. Since taking a more featured role, Collins has added a much needed jolt to his team's running game. Ranking among the league leaders in yards per rush and 20 yard runs, his value has quick surpassed his base salary of 508,235, and made him a candidate that should definitely be considered for the TVP award this year.
Jordan Howard, Running Back, Chicago #24 (Twitter @JHowardx24 // #TVPHoward)
Jordan Howard came into the league as a relatively unknown fifth round pick and in just two short years has made a name for himself as one of the top running backs in the league. Known for his strong running style, this season Howard has served as the workhorse for Chicago's offense, going over 100-yards on the ground multiple times to help his team secure victory. Howard's performance has allowed him to consistently rank among the league leaders in rushing yards throughout the season and with a base salary of just $540,000, he is an ideal candidate for the TVP award.
Alvin Kamara, Running Back, New Orleans #41 (Twitter @a_kamara6 // #TVPKamara)
In his rookie season, Alvin Kamara has emerged as one of the league's top dual threat players. His sensational speed and ability in the passing game have quickly made Kamara an integral part of one of the league's top offenses. With multiple games over 100 total yards already on his resume, Kamara is currently on pace to go over 1000 total yards this season. Kamara has energized a resurgent New Orleans team and as rookie third round pick with a base salary of $465,000, he is a viable contender to win this year's TVP award.
Jerick McKinnon, Running Back, Minnesota #31 (Twitter @jetmckinnon1 // #TVPMcKinnon)
For some teams, the loss of a starting running back can be the kiss of death, but this has not been the case in Minnesota due to the strong performance of Jerick McKinnon. Since being thrust into a more featured role, McKinnon's abilities both as running back and receiver have made him a top threat in his team's offense. Now in his fourth season, McKinnon is on pace to set new career highs in yards and touchdowns this season. His performance has been a key ingredient to his team's success and with a base salary of only $700,000, McKinnon is a TVP candidate worth considering.
Previous TVP winners include running back Spencer Ware (2016), wide receiver Allen Robinson (2015), wide receiver Kenny Stills (2014), quarterback Russell Wilson (2012 and 2013), wide receiver Victor Cruz (2011), wide receiver Stevie Johnson (2010), wide receiver Steve Smith (2009), quarterback Matt Cassel (2008) and quarterback David Garrard (2007).
