D.J. Fluker of the San Diego Chargers Earns 2013 Pepsi NEXT NFL Rookie of the Week

Voters on NFL.com have made their choice. Offensive tackle D.J. Fluker of the San Diego Chargers is the Week 7 2013 Pepsi NEXT NFL Rookie of the Week for games played October 17-21 the NFL announced today. Fluker switched from right to left tackle during the game and helped block for an offense that set Chargers’ season highs with 158 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns in a 24-6 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Fluker was selected from among five finalists through fan votes on NFL.com. The other finalists for Week 7 were running back Eddie Lacy of the Green Bay Packers, quarterback Geno Smith of the New York Jets, tight end Jordan Reed of the Washington Redskins and cornerback Nickell Robey of the Buffalo Bills.

After the regular season, five players will be nominated for Pepsi NEXT NFL Rookie of the Year honors. Fans can vote for the winner on NFL.com/rookies throughout the month of January. The Pepsi NEXT NFL Rookie of the Year will be announced at the third annual NFL Honors awards show in New York City on on Saturday, February 2, the night before Super Bowl XLVIII.

In conjunction with the 2013 Pepsi NEXT NFL Rookie of the Week promotion, Panini America produces virtual trading cards of each week’s five nominees and a virtual card for each week’s winner. At the end of the regular season, Panini America will produce an actual trading card set of all weekly winners. Stay tuned to The Knight’s Lance for additional details.

2013 Pepsi NEXT NFL Rookie of the Week Winners

Week 1: Caleb Sturgis, K, Miami Dolphins
Week 2: EJ Manuel, QB, Buffalo Bills
Week 3: Giovani Bernard, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
Week 4: Kiko Alonso, LB, Buffalo Bills
Week 5: Geno Smith, QB, New York Jets
Week 6: Keenan Allen, WR, San Diego Chargers
Week 7: D.J. Fluker, OT, San Diego Chargers