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Gordon Hayward managed to edge out an NFL defensive lineman, a PGA golfer and a two-time gold medalist for the honor of being named the state's male athlete of the year.
On Tuesday, Hayward was announced as the winner of the 2016 Governor's State of Sport award for the best male professional or Olympic athlete. The award is decided by online fan voting.
Hayward beat out Detroit Lions defender Ziggy Ansah, golfer Tony Finau and alpine ski racer Ted Ligety.
Hayward averaged 19.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists a game for the Jazz last season, a campaign in which the team won 40 games and finished just outside of playoff position. This summer, Hayward is one of 34 players being considered for the USA's Olympic basketball roster.