Matthew Stafford Secures MVP Award at Star-Studded NFL Honors Ceremony
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has finally claimed the prestigious MVP title, triumphing over a competitive field that included New England's Drake Maye, Buffalo's Josh Allen, Jacksonville's Trevor Lawrence, and San Francisco's Christian McCaffrey. The announcement was made during the NFL Honors ceremony, which was hosted by Mad Men star John Hamm at the beautiful Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.
Celebrity Attendees and Humorous Highlights
The event attracted a glittering array of celebrities and sports figures, including Druski, Jeff Ross, Russell Wilson and his wife Ciara, Michael Strahan, Jason Kelce, and actor-comedian Bob Odenkirk. Odenkirk, who portrayed Chicago Bears fan Pope Leo XIV in a brief skit, humorously remarked, 'We still ended up losing to [Matthew] Stafford and a bunch of loonies from LA, and I don't have any inside information, but they're all going to hell!'
Later in the evening, comedian Tiffany Haddish added to the lighthearted atmosphere by complimenting Rams receiver Puka Nacua's new haircut, telling him she would be his 'first rich baby's mama.' Haddish also made a minor gaffe when announcing the NFL Coach of the Year, mistakenly referring to New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel as 'Mike Verbal.' Fortunately, Vrabel was spared any embarrassment as he was with his team in San Jose, preparing for Sunday's Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks. Vrabel had previously won this award with Tennessee in 2021.
Other Major Award Winners Announced
Beyond Stafford's MVP victory, the ceremony featured several other anticipated awards. Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett was named Defensive Player of the Year for the second time, a recognition that was widely expected after he broke Michael Strahan's sack record in 2025. Other nominees in this category included edge rushers such as Houston's Will Anderson, Green Bay's Micah Parsons, and Detroit's Aidan Hutchinson, along with Denver linebacker Nik Bonitto.
Carolina Panthers receiver Tetairoa McMillan earned the Rookie of the Year award, outperforming contenders like New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson, New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger, and New Orleans Saints signal caller Tyler Shough. Despite some inconsistencies within Carolina's offense during the 2025 season, McMillan managed an impressive 1,104 yards and seven touchdowns on 70 receptions.
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey was honored with the Comeback Player of the Year award. McCaffrey made a remarkable recovery from a season-ending knee injury in 2024, appearing in every game in 2025 and rushing for 1,202 yards. The 29-year-old expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family during his acceptance speech, saying, 'My wife, Olivia, you are my rock this entire year. Thank you so much for sticking with me, supporting me better than I could have ever imagined. Then my super power, my daughter Colette, you don't understand this now and I appreciate you more than you know.'
Additionally, Bears guard Joe Thuney won the NFL Protector of the Year award in his first year with Chicago, beating out competitors such as Denver left tackle Garett Bolles, his teammate Quinn Meinerz, Miami center Aaron Brewer, Kansas City center Creed Humphrey, and Detroit right tackle Penei Sewell.
