Award Nominations Spotlight Stars of the Las Vegas Raiders

As the NFL regular season nears its end, award nomination season has arrived—and the Las Vegas Raiders are well-represented, with several key players earning recognition for their standout performances. These nominations, spanning Pro Bowl selections, Defensive Player of the Year candidates, and even community service honors, aren’t just individual accolades; they’re a reflection of the Raiders’ collective improvement and a chance to shine a light on the talent that’s driving the team’s playoff push. From veteran leaders to midseason additions, the nominated players have each left an indelible mark on the Raiders’ season, turning heads across the league with their skill, consistency, and impact. Award Nominations Spotlight Stars of the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down the key nominations, the players behind them, and how these honors reinforce the Raiders’ status as a team on the rise.

Leading the Raiders’ award nominations is defensive end Chandler Jones, who has emerged as a top candidate for the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award just a few months after being acquired via trade. In 10 games with the Raiders, Jones has recorded 11 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 28 tackles—numbers that rank him among the league’s top edge rushers. What makes his nomination even more impressive is his immediate impact: he’s helped transform a Raiders pass rush that ranked 26th in sacks before his arrival to now 12th. “Chandler came in and changed our defense overnight,” said Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels. “He’s not just getting sacks—he’s creating turnovers, drawing double teams, and making everyone around him better. That’s what Defensive Player of the Year caliber looks like.” Jones’ nomination also includes a Pro Bowl selection, his sixth career nod, a testament to his enduring excellence over 12 NFL seasons. For Jones, the recognition is a nod to the team’s support, not just his own play. “None of this happens without the guys up front with me—Dalvin [Tomlinson] clogging lanes, the linebackers covering, the coaches calling great plays,” Jones said. Award Nominations Spotlight Stars of the Las Vegas Raiders emphasizes that Jones’ nominations aren’t just about his individual brilliance—they’re a celebration of the Raiders’ improved defensive unit as a whole.

Another Raider in the award spotlight is running back Josh Jacobs, who earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl nomination after another dominant season on the ground. Through 13 games, Jacobs has rushed for 1,120 yards (fourth in the NFL) and 7 touchdowns, averaging 4.5 yards per carry—numbers that solidify his status as one of the league’s most reliable and dynamic running backs. What sets Jacobs apart this season is his ability to impact the game in multiple ways: he’s also caught 28 passes for 210 yards, making him a dual-threat weapon in the Raiders’ offense. “Josh is the engine of our run game, but he’s so much more than that,” said offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi. “He can break a 50-yard run, catch a screen pass for a first down, and block a blitzing linebacker—all in the same drive. That versatility is why he’s a Pro Bowl player.” Jacobs’ nomination also highlights his durability: he’s started every game this season, carrying the load for an offense that’s dealt with quarterback injuries and offensive line changes. For Raiders fans, Jacobs’ consistent excellence has made him a fan favorite, and his Pro Bowl nod is a fitting recognition of his work ethic and talent. Award Nominations Spotlight Stars of the Las Vegas Raiders highlights that Jacobs’ nomination is a reminder of the Raiders’ offensive identity—one built on physical, reliable play that keeps opposing defenses on their heels.

The Las Vegas Raiders also have a nominee in the community service category, with linebacker Denzel Perryman earning a spot on the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award ballot. Perryman, a Las Vegas native, has been a pillar of the local community since joining the Raiders in 2022, focusing his efforts on youth football and anti-bullying initiatives. This season, he launched the “Perryman’s Playbook” program, which provides free football camps for underserved kids in the Las Vegas area and funds scholarships for high school athletes pursuing college. He’s also volunteered over 300 hours with local schools, speaking to students about the importance of education and resilience. “Football gave me so much, and I want to give back to the community that supported me growing up,” Perryman said. The Las Vegas Raiders have long emphasized community impact, and Perryman’s nomination aligns with that mission, showcasing that the team’s stars are just as committed off the field as they are on it. “Denzel embodies what this award is about—excellence on the field and compassion off of it,” said Raiders team president Sandra Douglass Morgan. “He’s not just a leader in our locker room; he’s a leader in our city.” Award Nominations Spotlight Stars of the Las Vegas Raiders shows that the Las Vegas Raiders’ nominations extend beyond on-field performance, highlighting the team’s commitment to being a positive force in the community.

In addition to individual honors, the Las Vegas Raiders’ special teams unit is also getting recognition, with kicker Daniel Carlson earning a Pro Bowl nomination for the third time in his career. Carlson has been nearly perfect this season, making 29 of 31 field goal attempts (93.5curacy) and all 32 of his extra point tries. He’s also connected on 8 of 9 field goals from 50+ yards, including a game-winning 55-yarder against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10. “Daniel is the most reliable kicker in the NFL, and this nomination is well-deserved,” said special teams coordinator Tom McMahon. “In close games, having a kicker you can trust to make the big kick is a huge advantage—and Daniel does that week in and week out.” The Las Vegas Raiders’ special teams have been a strength all season, and Carlson’s nomination is a nod to that consistency. For Carlson, the recognition is a tribute to his teammates, especially the long snapper and holder who make his job possible. “Special teams is a group effort—none of these kicks go through without the guys up front blocking and the snapper and holder doing their jobs perfectly,” Carlson said. Award Nominations Spotlight Stars of the Las Vegas Raiders underscores that the Las Vegas Raiders’ special teams success, highlighted by Carlson’s nomination, is a key part of the team’s overall competitiveness.

The final set of nominations for the Las Vegas Raiders comes in the form of a “Breakout Player of the Year” candidate: cornerback Amik Robertson. After spending his first three seasons as a rotational player, Robertson has emerged as a full-time starter this year, recording 4 interceptions, 12 pass deflections, and 68 tackles—all career highs. His ability to shut down opposing receivers and create turnovers has been a revelation for the Raiders’ secondary, which was a weakness in previous seasons. “Amik worked his tail off to earn this role, and he’s exceeded every expectation,” said defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. “He’s physical, he’s smart, and he has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. He’s a big reason our secondary has improved so much.” The Las Vegas Raiders’ coaching staff has praised Robertson’s work ethic, noting that he’s often the first player in the facility and the last to leave, studying film and refining his technique. For Robertson, the nomination is a validation of his patience and perseverance. “I never gave up on my dream, even when I wasn’t playing much,” Robertson said. “To be recognized as a breakout player means the world to me, and I’m just getting started.” Award Nominations Spotlight Stars of the Las Vegas Raiders concludes that the Las Vegas Raiders’ diverse set of nominations—spanning defense, offense, special teams, and community service—showcases the team’s depth of talent and character. These honors aren’t just about individual players; they’re about a team that’s building something special, one standout performance at a time. As the Raiders push for the playoffs, these nominations serve as a reminder of why they’re a team to watch—and why their future is brighter than ever.