For the first time in his 17-season career, Matthew Stafford is at the top.
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The Los Angeles Rams quarterback was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player on Thursday night at the American Football Circuit’s annual awards ceremony.
Stafford was a few votes ahead of New England Patriots center Drake Maye in the poll. It was the closest vote since 2003, when Peyton Manning and Steve McNair shared the honor.
Upon receiving his award, the 37-year-old confirmed he will play another season in 2026.
Stafford finished last season with an NFL-high 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdown passes.
On the other side of the field, Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns won the Most Outstanding Defensive Player award. The defensive end brought down opposing quarterbacks 23 times in 2025, breaking the record for most sacks in a season which was held by Michael Strahan.
This is the second Defensive Player MVP award of his career.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba walked away with the Most Outstanding Offensive Player award. The third-year player finished the year with 1,793 yards, an NFL high and a Seahawks record.
Mike Vrabel of the Patriots was also recognized with the Coach of the Year honor after leading his team to a 14-3 record and an appearance in the Super Bowl.
Other prices:
Offensive Rookie: Teteiroa McMillan, RE (CAR)
Defensive Recruit: Carson Schwesinger, SEC (CLE)
Protector of the Year: Joe Thuney, G (CHI)
Best comeback: Christian McCaffrey, PB (SF)
