by The red carpet was rolled out, the bowties were straightened, and the energy in San Francisco was electric as the league gathered for the 15th annual NFL Honors celebration. This wasn’t just another awards ceremony; it was a high-octane tribute to the grit, sweat, and sheer brilliance that defined the 2025 season. From veteran quarterbacks proving age is just a number to rookies announcing their arrival with a bang, the night was a perfect “appetizer” for Super Bowl LX.
Matthew Stafford’s Historic MVP Moment
In one of the most nail-biting finishes since 2003, Matthew Stafford took home the night’s biggest crown. The veteran gunslinger for the Los Angeles Rams edged out Drake Maye by a mere five points to secure his first-ever MVP trophy during the NFL Honors celebration. At 37 years old, Stafford’s season was nothing short of a masterpiece, racking up 4,707 passing yards and a career-high 46 touchdowns. To top it all off, he used his acceptance speech to officially announce his return for the 2026 season—music to the ears of the Rams faithful.
Defensive Dominance and Record-Breaking Sacks
While the offense grabbed the headlines, Myles Garrett reminded everyone why he’s a living nightmare for offensive coordinators. Garrett’s performance was a central highlight of the NFL Honors celebration, as he was named the AP Defensive Player of the Year. It’s hard to argue with a man who sets a single-season record with 23 sacks. Even with constant double teams, Garrett remained an unstoppable force, cementing his legacy among the all-time greats of the gridiron.
The Winners’ Circle: A Night of Firsts and Returns
The evening was packed with emotional victories and well-deserved recognition for the league’s most impactful figures. Here is a breakdown of the key winners from the NFL Honors celebration:
| Award | Winner | Team |
| AP Most Valuable Player | Matthew Stafford | Los Angeles Rams |
| AP Offensive Player of the Year | Jaxon Smith-Njigba | Seattle Seahawks |
| AP Defensive Player of the Year | Myles Garrett | Cleveland Browns |
| AP Coach of the Year | Mike Vrabel | New England Patriots |
| AP Comeback Player of the Year | Christian McCaffrey | San Francisco 49ers |
| Walter Payton Man of the Year | Bobby Wagner | Washington Commanders |
Coaching Masterclasses and Rookie Sensations
The New England Patriots may have been in a rebuilding phase recently, but Mike Vrabel proved that culture is everything. Vrabel was honored as Coach of the Year at the NFL Honors celebration after leading the Patriots to a staggering 14–3 record—a massive leap from their previous 4–13 finishes. On the flip side of experience, Tetairoa McMillan of the Carolina Panthers grabbed the Offensive Rookie of the Year title, providing a much-needed spark for the Panthers’ passing game with over 1,000 receiving yards.
Moments That Defined a Season
It wouldn’t be a true football gala without recognizing the plays that made us jump off our couches. The “Moment of the Year” award went to Caleb Williams and DJ Moore for their 46-yard overtime walk-off touchdown that silenced Lambeau Field. Watching Moore accept the award during the NFL Honors celebration was a poignant reminder of the game’s emotional stakes, as he dedicated the win to the late Virginia Halas McCaskey.
The Gold Jacket Class of 2026
The night also served as the gateway to immortality for five legendary figures. The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 was officially unveiled during the NFL Honors celebration, featuring first-ballot locks Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, and Luke Kuechly. They were joined by the legendary kicker Adam Vinatieri and 49ers icon Roger Craig. While the snub of Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft sparked plenty of debate in the room, the focus remained on the incredible legacies of those who made the cut.
A Night to Remember
As the curtain fell on the Palace of Fine Arts, the 2025 season was officially put into the history books. The NFL Honors celebration did more than just hand out trophies; it told the story of a league that continues to evolve and inspire. Whether it was Christian McCaffrey’s triumphant return from injury or Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s explosive breakout, the night reminded us why we can’t look away from the screen every Sunday.
