Voters on NFL.com and via Sprint wireless service have made their choice. Running back Laurence Maroney of the New England Patriots is the Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week for games played on October 1-2 the NFL announced today.

Maroney carried 15 times for 125 yards and two touchdowns in the Patriots' 38-13 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Maroney, whose longest carry was 41 yards, scored on touchdown runs of 11 and 25 yards, giving him three rushing touchdowns on the season.

More than 25,300 fans voted this week on NFL.com and via Sprint wireless service. Maroney was selected from among five finalists. The other finalists were wide receiver Marques Colston of the New Orleans Saints, cornerback Richard Marshall of the Carolina Panthers, running back Jerious Norwood of the Atlanta Falcons and defensive end Mario Williams of the Houston Texans.

After the regular season, five players will be nominated for Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year honors. Fans can vote for the winner on NFL.com and via Sprint wireless service throughout the month of January. The winner will be announced at a press conference at Super Bowl XLI in South Florida.

This is Pepsi's fifth year as the official soft drink sponsor of the NFL and the second year that Diet Pepsi will present the NFL Rookie of the Week and NFL Rookie of the Year awards.