The 2026 NFL Honors ceremony delivered one of the most dramatic MVP races in recent memory, historic defensive dominance, and a Hall of Fame class headlined by legendary quarterback Drew Brees. Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford captured his first career Most Valuable Player award by the slimmest of margins, while Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett achieved a rare unanimous Defensive Player of the Year selection after a record-breaking season. The night also celebrated the remarkable turnaround engineered by New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and the stellar breakout of Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Matthew Stafford Edges Drake Maye in Closest MVP Vote Since 2003
After 15 seasons, Matthew Stafford finally has his MVP trophy, but it didn't come easily. The Rams quarterback edged New England Patriots' Drake Maye in the closest MVP vote since 2003, receiving 24 first-place votes to Maye's 23, with Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen capturing the remaining two first-place votes. Stafford's 2025 campaign was nothing short of spectacular, leading the league with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns while completing 68.2% of his passes. The 37-year-old veteran brought his four daughters to the stage to accept the award, then closed his emotional speech with a major announcement: he will return to play for the Rams in the 2026 season.
Coach Vrabel's Remarkable Turnaround Leads to Second Coach of Year Award
Perhaps no award carried more narrative weight than Coach of the Year, which went to Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. In his first season in New England, Vrabel orchestrated one of the greatest single-season turnarounds in NFL history, transforming a team that went 4-13 in back-to-back seasons into a 14-3 powerhouse that reached Super Bowl 60. He became the first head coach to inherit a 13-loss team and win at least 13 games in his first year. This marks Vrabel's second Coach of the Year award, having previously won in 2021 with the Tennessee Titans.
What's Next for Award Winners and Hall of Fame Ceremony
While the awards have been distributed, the stories continue to unfold. Matthew Stafford will return to lead the Rams' offense next season, while Myles Garrett's record-setting campaign has reset expectations for defensive dominance. Mike Vrabel now prepares his Patriots for Super Bowl 60 against the Seattle Seahawks, creating a fascinating subplot between the Coach of the Year and the Offensive Player of the Year (Smith-Njigba). Meanwhile, the 2026 Hall of Fame class will be formally inducted on August 8 in Canton, Ohio, with Drew Brees entering on his first ballot alongside fellow legends Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly, Adam Vinatieri, and Roger Craig.
The Bottom Line: Key Points to Remember
The 2026 NFL Honors celebrated exceptional individual achievements while highlighting the league's bright future. Matthew Stafford's long-awaited MVP, Myles Garrett's historic defensive campaign, Jaxon Smith-Njigba's breakout season, and Mike Vrabel's coaching masterpiece all underscored the depth of talent across the NFL. With a star-studded Hall of Fame class waiting in the wings and several award winners still competing for a Super Bowl title, the 2025 season's legacy will continue to resonate throughout the football world.
