Thursday night in San Francisco, the NFL celebrated the best of the 2025 season at NFL Honors, awarding players, coaches, and contributors for their excellence on and off the field. From record-breaking performances to inspiring comebacks and community impact, the evening highlighted a season to remember.
Most Valuable Player: Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
After 17 seasons in the league, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford added a career-defining honor to his résumé, being named the 2025 AP NFL Most Valuable Player. Stafford narrowly edged Patriots signal-caller Drake Maye in the closest MVP vote since 2003, finishing with 366 points and 24 first-place votes. He led the league with 4,707 passing yards, 46 touchdowns, and a league-best scoring offense, while guiding the Rams to a 12-5 record and the NFC playoffs. The 37-year-old veteran also earned his first first-team All-Pro nod, silencing critics who once doubted his place among the elite.
Offensive Player of the Year: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks
Smith-Njigba earned the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year after leading the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards on 119 catches, adding 10 touchdowns. The Seahawks wideout’s consistent dominance — gaining 72+ receiving yards in 15 of 17 games — helped Seattle secure a franchise-best 14-3 record and a berth in Super Bowl LX. Smith-Njigba also became one of three unanimous All-Pro selections for 2025, joining the league’s elite at his position.
Defensive Player of the Year: Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns
Cleveland’s edge rusher Myles Garrett set an NFL single-season sack record with 23, surpassing the previous 22.5 mark shared by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. His historic performance earned Garrett a unanimous selection as AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Garrett also led the league in tackles for loss (33) and QB hits (39), earning his fifth All-Pro selection and seventh Pro Bowl nod.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers
Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan was named AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after recording 70 receptions for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns. The 22-year-old was Bryce Young’s go-to target, helping Carolina win the NFC South and ending a seven-year postseason drought. McMillan became just the second Panthers player to earn the honor, joining Cam Newton in 2011.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Carson Schwesinger, Cleveland Browns
Following Garrett’s dominance, Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger earned AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year with 40 of 50 first-place votes. A former UCLA walk-on, Schwesinger tallied 156 tackles, including 11 for loss, 2.5 sacks, and two interceptions, anchoring Cleveland’s fourth-ranked defense. Schwesinger and Garrett became the first teammates to win rookie and DPOY honors in the same season since Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis in 2003.
Comeback Player of the Year: Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
After an injury-plagued 2024, 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey returned in spectacular fashion, earning AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year. CMC rushed for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 924 receiving yards and seven receiving TDs, totaling 2,126 yards from scrimmage. He became the first player in league history with at least five rushing and five receiving touchdowns in a single season.
Assistant Coach of the Year: Josh McDaniels, New England Patriots
Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels earned AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year after engineering a turnaround offense that leapt from 30th in points per game in 2024 to second in 2025 (28.8 PPG). Under his guidance, quarterback Drake Maye flourished, and the Patriots’ offense became one of the league’s most prolific, finishing third in total yardage (379.4 YPG).
Coach of the Year: Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots
In his first season back in New England, head coach Mike Vrabel guided the Patriots to a 14-3 record, a 10-win improvement over 2024, and the AFC East title. Vrabel earned AP NFL Coach of the Year honors, marking his second career award after winning in 2021 with the Titans. He led a team full of rookies and a second-year quarterback, proving his ability to maximize talent and adapt quickly.
Protector of the Year: Joe Thuney, Chicago Bears
Bears guard Joe Thuney was awarded the inaugural Protector of the Year Award, recognizing the league’s top offensive lineman. Thuney helped stabilize Chicago’s line, giving quarterback Caleb Williams time to flourish and contributing to an 11-6 season and a playoff berth. The award, championed by NFL legends including Andrew Whitworth and Dion Dawkins, honors excellence in blocking and offensive line play.
Walter Payton Man of the Year: Bobby Wagner, Washington Commanders
Capping the night, linebacker Bobby Wagner earned the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year for his philanthropic work and on-field excellence. Wagner created the FAST54 Phenia Mae Fund in honor of his late mother, supporting stroke patients and education. A 10-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro, Wagner has been a model of consistency and leadership for 14 seasons, and Thursday marked his first win of the league’s most prestigious off-field honor.
