Kenyon Green honored as one of four finalists for 2021 Lombardi Award

HOUSTON — Texas A&M All-American offensive lineman Kenyon Green didn’t get the Rotary Lombardi Trophy on Wednesday night.

Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson was named the recipient of the prestigious block of granite trophy that is presented to the nation’s premier lineman.

However, Kenyon did get something of great value for being one of the four finalists.

“Being able to be part of a national award like this is great,” Kenyon said. “It makes my dad proud and my mom proud.”

That was an understatement.

Kenyon’s parents, Henry and Shalonda Green, sister Kamirah and grandparents James and Deborah White were on hand to enjoy the ceremonies.

They watched a video featuring Kenyon’s highlights. They listened to a speech by Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher, who said Kenyon was one of the most selfless players he has ever coached. They heard a ballroom full of Aggies at the Hilton Americas Hotel break out in a chorus of “Whoops” when Kenyon was introduced.

Henry suspected such tributes would come when Kenyon arrived at A&M as a five-star recruit three years ago, but he knew his son would need some help.

“The thing of it is the hard work he’s done with Jimbo and all of his teammates,” Henry said. “The proof is in the pudding. He didn’t do it by himself. They got that for him.”

Kenyon could not say whether he will play another game with his teammates.

He is projected as a first-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft and has to decide whether he’ll forgo his senior season.

Also, he hasn’t announced whether he’ll play in the Gator Bowl against Wake Forest on Dec. 31.

“I haven’t decided yet,” he said before the ceremony. “I’m just trying to enjoy this moment here. I’ll talk with my family and see how it all plays out.

“After this, I was going to sit down and actually think about it. See where my mind is at. See what I need to take in. See what’s best for me.”

If Green decides to sit out the bowl game and enter the draft, he’ll leave A&M with an impressive list of accomplishments.

Along with being a Lombardi Award finalist, his list of credentials includes SEC All-Freshman team in 2019, All-SEC and All-American as a sophomore and All-SEC, All-American and three-time SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors this year.

Through it all, Kenyon has always had a humble disposition.

He was hoping to become the second Aggie to win the Lombardi Award. Linebacker Dat Nguyen won the Lombardi in 1998.

Kenyon was also hoping to become the 10th Aggie to win at least one national award. Johnny Manziel (2012) and John David Crow (1957) won the Heisman Trophy. Nguyen (1998) also won the Bednarik Award.

Manziel (2012) also won the Davey O’Brien and Manning awards, Von Miller (2010) won the Butkus Award, Randy Bullock (2011) won the Lou Groza Award, Luke Joeckel (2012) won the Outland Trophy, Braden Mann (2018) won the Ray Guy Award and Trevor Knight (2016) won the Wuerffel Trophy.