Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is named Pepsi Rookie of the Year after stellar first season

Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson was named Pepsi Rookie of the Year on Thursday after a stellar first season in Detroit.

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 draft, Hutchinson led all rookies with 9.5 sacks and also notched three interceptions.

He’s the first rookie since 1982 to hit those numbers.

The Pepsi award – separate from the Defensive Rookie of the Year award voted on by the Associated Press – was decided by the fans.

And the Michigan alum Hutchinson beat out players like Sauce Gardner, Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson to win the award.

Aidan Hutchinson had a strong first season after being drafted second overall in the draft

Hutchinson and the Lions helped spoil the Packers’ playoff hopes on January 8

‘Considering some of the past Rookie of the Year winners, taking home this award feels surreal, and I want to thank all the fans who believed in me and voted for me,’ he said in a press release.

‘It is amazing to see the support from fans week after week, and I am ready to start the offseason and get out there for an even better season next year.’

 Hutchinson also started all 17 games for the Lions and recovered two fumbles as the team finished with a 9-8 record but missed the postseason.