The evening began with a reception in the foyer, where guests were able to mingle and meet some of the high profile attendees before entering the ballroom where the 101 Awards would begin.
This prestigious event honored the outstanding achievements in professional football. The who's who of the NFL gathered on Saturday, to recognize the 2013 101 Awards winners.
The program was hosted by NFL Network’s Paul Burmeister and Pro Football Hall of Famer James Lofton. The first segment was dedicated to the Chiefs awards, a time for the organization to recognize the Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year.
The awards, which were kept confidential, were announced at Saturday's event.
RB Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs – Derrick Thomas Award (Most Valuable Player)
It's no surprise Charles received this incredible award, considering he finished the 2013 season with 259 carries for 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns.
"This is my fourth time to win this award and it's such an honor," Charles said. "This is a great event and I'm so happy to be here."
Marcus Cooper, Kansas City Chiefs – Mack Lee Hill Award (Rookie of the Year)
Cooper, a rookie out of Rutgers, finished the 2013 season with 44 tackles, one forced fumble and three interceptions.
Following the Chiefs program, the national award segment began, honoring those from around the league. This year's 101 Award winners are as follows:
RB LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles - NFC Offensive Player of the Year
QB Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos - AFC Offensive Player of the Year
LB Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers - NFC Defensive Player of the Year
LB Robert Mathis, Indianapolis Colts - AFC Defensive Player of the Year
Ron Rivera, Carolina Panthers - NFC Coach of the Year
Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs - AFC Coach of the Year
Len Dawson, Kansas City Chiefs – Lamar Hunt Award for Professional Football.
Pro Football Hall of Famer Len Dawson is a legend in Kansas City and was honored at the 101 Awards with the Lamar Hunt Award. This award is given annually to an individual who helped to shape professional football.
"He was an incredible leader in the huddle and an innovator off the field," Hunt said. "His passion and knowledge for the game has led to an incredible broadcast career that Chiefs fans have enjoyed for more than three decades, and we are delighted to honor him with the Lamar Hunt Award for Professional Football."
The 101 Awards gala truly is a remarkable event and is a longstanding tradition in Kansas City. To watch the full event, tune in on March 16th at 7PM CT on NFL Network.
