the biggest night in league awards
The 15th annual NFL Honors ceremony featured Friday night recognition of the league’s top performers from the 20S25 season. Hosted in San Francisco at the Palace of Fine Arts, this event spotlighted excellence across players, coaches, and contributors to the sport.
Instead of focusing on games or standings, NFL Honors celebrates individual achievement, bringing together fans and analysts alike to reflect on standout contributions that shaped the season. It’s become a key moment ahead of the Super Bowl weekend.
Stafford earns most valuable player honor
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford won the NFL Most Valuable Player award, narrowly edging out New England’s Drake Maye in one of the closest MVP races in recent history. Stafford led the league with over 4,700 passing yards and 46 touchdowns.
The vote was tight, with Stafford receiving 24 first-place votes to Maye’s 23, making it the closest MVP result since 2003. His award caps a remarkable regular season and underscores his influence on the Rams’ success.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba tops offensive honors
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba captured the Offensive Player of the Year award after leading the league in receiving yards. His performance marked one of the season’s most dynamic offensive displays.
That standout Seattle achievement is notable because it places him among an elite group of receivers who have dominated the stat sheet and contributed heavily to their team’s offensive identity.
Myles Garrett dominates on defense
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett was recognized as the Defensive Player of the Year. Garrett’s season included a record breaking 23 sacks, pushing him into rare company among pass rushers.
His dominance not only impacts opposing offenses but also reflects a rare level of consistency that set him apart from others in the defensive category this year.
Christian McCaffrey’s comeback story
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey earned Comeback Player of the Year honors after returning from major injuries to post elite stats for his team.
McCaffrey’s resilience and productivity were widely admired, turning what could have been a story of setback into one of triumph and sustained excellence throughout the season.
Tetairoa McMillan shines as offensive rookie
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan was named Offensive Rookie of the Year, putting up impressive numbers in his first NFL campaign. His impact helped energize the Panthers’ attack.
McMillan’s early contributions not only showcased his talent but also signaled that he could become a central figure in the league’s receiving corps for years to come.
Carson Schwesinger earns defensive rookie praise
Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger took home Defensive Rookie of the Year, standing out in a class full of talented first-year defenders. His ability to read plays and react quickly allowed him to make key stops, helping the Browns remain competitive in critical situations throughout the season.
Schwesinger’s combination of athleticism, instincts, and relentless effort made him a constant threat on the field. Fans and analysts alike noticed his impact, as he consistently disrupted opposing offenses, proving why he was one of the most watched and promising young defensive players of the year.
Vrabel wins coach of the year
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was honored as Coach of the Year after leading his team to a 14-3 record and Super Bowl berth.
Vrabel’s leadership earned him the respect across the league, and the award recognizes how coaching stability and strategy can elevate an entire roster’s performance.
Assistant coach award for McDaniels
Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was recognized as Assistant Coach of the Year for his creativity and impact on offensive performance. His innovative schemes have kept defenses guessing and helped the team execute at a high level.
This honor highlights McDaniels as one of the league’s top strategists, showing how technical preparation, play design, and leadership can directly contribute to team success on the field.
Joe Thuney named protector of the year
Chicago Bears guard Joe Thuney earned the inaugural Protector of the Year award, a new honor recognizing offensive line excellence. His consistent performance in keeping quarterbacks safe highlighted just how critical reliable interior line play is to a team’s success.
Thuney’s combination of strength, technique, and awareness allowed his skill-position teammates to perform at their best, opening up opportunities and maintaining offensive rhythm. His impact went beyond just protection, showing that when a line plays at this level, it can completely transform how a team executes in every game.
Bobby Wagner honored off the field
Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner earned the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, recognizing his exceptional contributions both on and off the field. Beyond his impressive play, Wagner has consistently demonstrated leadership, using his platform to inspire teammates and fans while highlighting the importance of giving back to the community.
This prestigious honor reflects Wagner’s work in charitable programs, educational outreach, and local initiatives that make a tangible difference. His commitment shows that impact isn’t measured just in stats but in the lasting positive change a player can bring to the people around him.
Rookies and veterans both recognized
The 2026 NFL Honors highlighted both rising stars and established veterans, underscoring that achievement in the league comes in many forms. Young players like McMillan and Schwesinger stood beside seasoned pros like Stafford and Garrett.
This blend of youth and experience illustrates how the NFL’s talent pipeline continues to grow while honoring those who have sustained excellence for years.
Seeing both rising stars and veterans shine shows how the game evolves every season. If you want to explore how NFL quarterbacks have been innovating passing techniques across decades, check out this story.
Looking ahead to championship weekend
With the awards show complete, attention now turns fully to Super Bowl LX, where elite performers like Drake Maye and others will vie for football’s biggest prize.
It’s a reminder that while individual awards honor history, the ultimate goal for most players and coaches remains the Lombardi Trophy that awaits at the season’s climax.
While the players chase the Lombardi Trophy, the Super Bowl stage also has fans talking, see why Bad Bunny’s halftime show is exciting some NFL players and confusing others.
With the Super Bowl around the corner, we want to hear from you, who are you most excited to see shine on the biggest stage? Drop your thoughts in the comments and give this post a like if you’re ready for the action!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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