"As one of the 50 reporters and broadcasters who submitted his ballot by noon Tuesday for The Associated Press NFL coach of the year and player awards, I take my job very seriously.

I like to do as much research as possible, including talking to NFL personnel people, before filling out my all-pro team and the awards that go with it.

The one vote I don't usually seek guidance on is most valuable player. That's because the candidates are always going to be guys whose statistics speak volumes and whose games I'm able to catch on television because of their stature.

There's a lot to consider, but sometimes it comes down to a gut feeling.

This year, I took Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers over New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees.

We'll find out the winner this year Feb. 4, the night before Super Bowl XLVI, during the NFL's first prime time "NFL Honors" show on NBC (8 to 10 p.m.)."