Behind his eight nominations for NFL Rookie of the Week, Steve Slaton has been named one of the five finalists for 2008 Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year award, which is determined by fan voting.
Fans can vote on NFL.com and via Sprint wireless service. Voting ends on Jan. 27, 2009, at 5 p.m. CT.
For Sprint customers wanting to vote for Slaton, please text the word PEPSI to short code 7777. You will then receive an interactive text message that links you to the ballot with the five finalists. Data and text messaging rates may apply.
Other nominees for 2008 Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year include Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, Chicago Bears running back Matt Forté, Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan.
The winner will be presented the 2008 Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year award during a press conference in Tampa Bay, the site of Super Bowl XLIII, on Thursday, Jan. 29.
Slaton, who was propelled by 508 total rushing yards in the month of December, led a deep rookie running back pool in total rushing yards, amassing a franchise-best 1,282 ground yards and establishing his total as the fifth-highest this decade. Slaton posted five 100 yard rushing games including three consecutive 100-yard rushing games (12/1-12/14) to lead all rookies in both categories.
He also accounted for 27 percent of the Texans' franchise record 6,113 total yards from scrimmage and notched nine rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown over the course of the season. Slaton, who attended West Virginia University, was a third-round draft pick (No. 89 overall).
"I think (this season) passed my expectations," Slaton said. "I really didn't know what to expect this whole year. I just contributed, did whatever I could do, do whatever coaches needed to help the team's offense. It was just a good opportunity to play the position I love and start. It's definitely a blessing."
