NFL: Matthew Stafford's MVP, return announcement highlights NFL Honors

Matthew Stafford kept fans guessing just minutes before the NFL Honors event Thursday night, saying he was still deciding whether to return for an 18th season. Less than two hours later, Stafford was named NFL Most Valuable Player, taking the stage in San Francisco with his four daughters by his side.

Addressing his daughters, Stafford said, "You are unbelievable cheerleaders for me and I appreciate it. I am so happy to have you at the games on the sideline with me and I can't wait for you to cheer me on next year when we're out there kicking ass." He then turned to the audience, with Rams coach Sean McVay jumping out of his chair in celebration, adding, "I will see you guys next year, and hopefully I'm not at this event and we're getting ready for another game at Super Bowl LXI at SoFi."

Stafford narrowly beat New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye in the MVP balloting. He received 24 of 50 first-place votes and 366 total points, while Maye had 23 first-place votes and 361 points. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, the 2024 MVP, received two first-place votes, and Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert received one. Allen finished third with 91 points, Christian McCaffrey fourth with 71, and Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence fifth with 49. This marks Stafford’s first MVP award in his 17 NFL seasons, 12 with the Detroit Lions and five with the Rams.

Despite playing through back issues, Stafford led the NFL with 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns in 2025. He didn’t miss a game and threw only eight interceptions in 597 attempts. The Rams, however, fell short in the NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks. "This team was really special and it didn't end the way we wanted it to, but I will never forget it," Stafford said.

Defensive end Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns was the unanimous Defensive Player of the Year after recording a league-high 23 sacks. Garrett, winning the award for the second time in three seasons, credited his teammates and coaches for the achievement.

Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots was named Coach of the Year after leading the team to a 14-3 regular-season record and a Super Bowl berth in his first season. Vrabel acknowledged his staff and players in a video message, saying the award belonged to the entire team.

Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner earned the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award for his charitable work, particularly in stroke awareness, a cause close to his heart after losing his mother to a stroke in 2009.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey was named Comeback Player of the Year after rushing for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns while catching 102 passes for 924 yards and seven scores in 2025, bouncing back from injuries in 2024.

Carolina Panthers receiver Tetairoa McMillan won Offensive Rookie of the Year with 70 receptions for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns. Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors with 156 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two interceptions.

Chicago Bears guard Joe Thuney won the inaugural Protector of the Year award, recognizing his outstanding performance on the offensive line in his 10th NFL season.

NFL Honors Award Winners

Most Valuable Player: Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams

Offensive Player of the Year: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks

Defensive Player of the Year: Myles Garrett, DE, Cleveland Browns

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Carson Schwesinger, LB, Cleveland Browns

Comeback Player of the Year: Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers

Coach of the Year: Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots

Assistant Coach of the Year: Josh McDaniels, New England Patriots

Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year: Bobby Wagner, LB, Washington Commanders

The awards ceremony sets the stage for Super Bowl LX on Sunday, where the New England Patriots will face the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

—Field Level Media/Reuters