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The Rookie of the Year award is given by a number of North American sports leagues to the top first-time professional athlete of the season. The honor is awarded annually to Major League Baseball players (one per league), drivers in the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, members of NASCAR, the National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League, Major League Lacrosse, Major League Soccer, and the National Football League.
The NFL awards both Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year distinctions. Until 1996, the NFL awarded NFC and AFC Rookie of the Year awards.