the thing about it is, it doesn't even matter if the season begins and ends in the same calendar year. the awards are NAMED 2006 and 2007 rookie of year awards. clearly mjd was a 2006 nominee.
The National Football League today announced the five finalists for the 2006 DIET PEPSI NFL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR award.
2006 DIET PEPSI NFL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
JOSEPH ADDAI Running Back Indianapolis Colts
REGGIE BUSH Running Back New Orleans Saints
MAURICE JONES-DREW Running Back Jacksonville Jaguars
DEVIN HESTER DB-KR-
PR Chicago Bears VINCE YOUNG Quarterback Tennessee Titans