Quarterback Vinnie Miroth of the Vukovi Belgrade and linebacker Desmond Hendricks of the Ljubljana Silverhawks have been honored as the best CEFL players of 2011.

In a selection of head coaches, the Commissioner and media, these two finished as the top choices on their sides of the ball – offense and defense. Considering that, by rule, his coach couldn’t vote for him, Miroth won unanimous and only Vasyl Yordan, quarterback of the Wolves got the vote from Reuben Droughns, the Vukovi’s coach. Hendricks’ win wasn’t as convincing, but he edged out three other players: Marko Bates of the Vukovi, Balázs Ágota of the Wolves among others.

Although the offensive award has in recent years gone into the hands of import players, Hendricks is the first such player to get his hands on the Defensive Player of the Year trophy. In years past, the award went to exclusively local and exclusively Serbian players. While he is the first import, he is not the first player whose team missed out on the final to win the award.

Miroth on the other hand has a chance to continue a tradition – one that his team hopes will finally be broken. Every single Offensive Player of the Year has thus far been on a team that made it to the CEFL Bowl – and every single one was on the losing team.

Both had impressive years; Miroth led the league in passing with 1102 yards, 14 touchdowns and no interceptions. Hendricks led the league in tackles, with 29.5, 8.5 of which for a loss, including 2 sacks.