Christian Gonzalez Named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month

New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez is off to a great start. One month into his NFL career, he’s been named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for September.

The Patriots took Christian Gonzalez at number 17 in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. After playing his college ball at Oregon, it was a surprise to many draft followers that he would still be available at that slot. Three games into his rookie season, Gonzalez not going sooner seems like an even bigger surprise.

Through three games, Gonzalez has put up some impressive numbers. He has 16 tackles, one sack, one interception and three passes defended. He has yet to allow a touchdown reception. All of this has been accomplished while defending the likes of star receivers A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Garrett Wilson.

Christian Gonzalez is the first New England Patriots player to win Defensive Rookie of the Month honors since Chandler Jones in 2012.