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Seventeen seasons into an NFL career defined by toughness and longevity, Matthew Stafford continues to reach new heights.
On Thursday night in San Francisco, the Los Angeles Rams quarterback was named the 2025 NFL Most Valuable Player at NFL Honors, adding one of the sport's most prestigious individual awards to his résumé.
The vote was among the tightest in recent memory, with Stafford narrowly defeating Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.Stafford finished with 366 total points and 24 first-place votes, while Maye followed closely with 361 points and 23 first-place selections.
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Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Chargers star Justin Herbert collected the remaining first-place votes.
Beyond the hardware, Stafford also delivered clarity about his future. During his acceptance speech, the veteran quarterback indicated that he plans to return for the 2026 season, easing any speculation about a potential retirement.
He joked that his hope for next year is to avoid another appearance at NFL Honors, instead spending that time preparing for a Super Bowl run.
"I'll see you guys next year,"Stafford added, signaling that he remains fully committed to leading the Rams and chasing another championship late in his career.
Wagner's legacy on and off the field
While Stafford's night celebrated elite quarterback play, Bobby Wagner's recognition highlighted a career built on sustained excellence and service.
The longtime linebacker was named the 2026 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, honoring his impact both on the field and in the community.
Over 14 seasons, Wagner has been the model of consistency, earning 10 Pro Bowl selections and six All-Pro honors while recording more than 100 tackles in every year of his career.
Wagner's off-field contributions are just as impressive. After losing his mother, Phenia Mae Wagner, to stroke complications before he entered the NFL, he established the FAST54 Phenia Mae Fund.
Working alongside major healthcare partners, the initiative supports stroke patients and promotes education aimed at prevention and early awareness. His efforts extend beyond healthcare, as Wagner has also championed mental health awareness, social justice reform, and youth empowerment through the NFL's Inspire Change program.
Prior to this year, he had been nominated for the Walter Payton award four times, making the honor a long-awaited recognition of his ongoing impact.
The evening also featured several other league awards. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was named Coach of the Year, while 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey earned Comeback Player of the Year.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba captured Offensive Player of the Year, Browns defensive end Myles Garrett won Defensive Player of the Year, Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan was named Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger took home Defensive Rookie of the Year.