The NFL Awards 2026 ceremony in San Francisco delivered a night filled with emotional speeches, historic wins, superstar performances and one of the closest MVP races in league history. Held just days before Super Bowl 60, the event celebrated the best performers of the 2025 NFL season while also announcing the newest Hall of Fame class.
Below is a complete news coverage of all major awards, standout reactions and everything fans need to know from the ceremony.
MVP Race Comes Down to One Vote: Matthew Stafford Wins First Career MVP
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford lifted the AP NFL MVP trophy after edging New England’s Drake Maye in a razor-thin finish. Stafford received 24 first-place votes compared to Maye’s 23, making it the closest MVP result since 2003.
At 37 years old, Stafford delivered the best season of his career:
- 4,707 passing yards
- 46 touchdowns
- 8 interceptions
- First-team All-Pro selection
He told the audience he will return in 2026, confirming his comeback in an emotional speech with his daughters onstage.
Top MVP Finalists Table
| Rank | Player | Team | Key Stats (2025 Season) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew Stafford | Rams | 4,707 yards, 46 TD |
| 2 | Drake Maye | Patriots | 4,394 yards, 31 TD |
| 3 | Josh Allen | Bills | 3,668 yards, 25 TD |
| 4 | Christian McCaffrey | 49ers | 2,126 scrimmage yards |
| 5 | Trevor Lawrence | Jaguars | 4,007 yards, 29 TD |
Defensive Player of the Year: Myles Garrett Makes History
Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett became a two-time DPOY winner and did it unanimously. Garrett set a single-season NFL sack record with 23 sacks, breaking the long-standing total previously held by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt.
Garrett walked on stage wearing a cowboy hat and thanked his teammates for making the record possible.
Offensive Player of the Year: Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s Breakout Season
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba claimed the award after leading the league with:
- 1,793 receiving yards (franchise record)
- 119 receptions
- 10 touchdowns
His dominance came despite Seattle being the most run-heavy team in the NFL, making his achievement even more impressive.
Rookie Awards: Tetairoa McMillan & Carson Schwesinger Shine
1. Offensive Rookie of the Year
Carolina Panthers wideout Tetairoa McMillan won convincingly after recording:
- 70 catches
- 1,014 yards
- 7 touchdowns
He thanked his mother and teammates for helping him adjust to NFL life.
2. Defensive Rookie of the Year
Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger completed a rare sweep for his team after Myles Garrett’s DPOY win.
Highlights of his debut season:
- 156 tackles
- 11 tackles for loss
- 2 interceptions
He became one of the few non–first round picks to earn the award in the last 45 seasons.
Comeback Player of the Year: Christian McCaffrey Returns to Elite Form
San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey overcame multiple injuries to deliver:
- 1,202 rushing yards
- 924 receiving yards
- 17 total touchdowns
- 413 touches (most in NFL)
He became the first running back in 24 years to win the award.
Coach of the Year: Mike Vrabel Leads Patriots’ Massive Turnaround
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel earned the honor after taking a four-win team to:
- 14–3 record
- AFC East title
- Super Bowl appearance
Vrabel also became one of the few coaches to win the award with two different teams.
Assistant Coach of the Year: Josh McDaniels Revives the Patriots Offense
Returning to New England, McDaniels transformed rookie-heavy offensive lines and elevated QB Drake Maye into an MVP finalist. His system produced:
- Top-3 offense in total yards
- League-best completion rate (72%) from Maye
Protector of the Year: Joe Thuney Wins First-Ever Award
Chicago Bears lineman Joe Thuney received the inaugural offensive line award after allowing zero sacks and playing nearly every snap during Chicago’s turnaround season.
Walter Payton Man of the Year: Bobby Wagner
Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner received the league’s most prestigious humanitarian honor for his work helping identify early signs of stroke—an issue close to him after losing his mother.
Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026
The ceremony also unveiled the newest inductees:
- Drew Brees – Super Bowl champion, 80,358 career yards
- Larry Fitzgerald – 17,492 receiving yards, legendary postseason run
- Luke Kuechly – Seven-time Pro Bowler, elite defensive leader
- Adam Vinatieri – NFL all-time scoring leader
- Roger Craig – First 1,000/1,000 RB in NFL history
The group will be enshrined on August 8 in Canton, Ohio.
Other Highlights From the Event
Celebrity Moments
- E-40 and Too $hort electrified the crowd with classic performances.
- Tiffany Haddish humorously struggled to pronounce Vrabel’s name onstage.
- Teyana Taylor helped present the MVP award.
- Miss USA Audrey Eckert expressed support for the underdog Patriots.
Red Carpet Highlights
Players embraced bold fashion, with 49ers WR Kendrick Bourne stealing attention in a bright yellow suit.
Read more: Top 10 Youngest NFL Head Coaches in 2026
The 2026 NFL Awards once again highlighted the extraordinary performances, historic records and inspiring personal stories that shaped the season. From Matthew Stafford’s emotional MVP moment to rising stars like Tetairoa McMillan and Carson Schwesinger announcing their arrival on the big stage, the night celebrated the league’s brightest talents.
As attention now turns toward Super Bowl 60, the award winners leave behind a powerful reminder of how much excellence, resilience and evolution defined this NFL year.
FAQs
1. Who won the NFL MVP 2026?
Matthew Stafford won his first career MVP after a historic season.
2. Which team won the most awards?
The Cleveland Browns earned both major defensive awards (DPOY & DROY).
3. Who entered the Hall of Fame this year?
Brees, Fitzgerald, Kuechly, Vinatieri, and Craig were inducted.
4. Why was the MVP race historic?
It was decided by just one vote, the closest result in over two decades.
5. Who won Comeback Player of the Year?
Christian McCaffrey, after returning from significant injuries.
6. Which rookies received top honors?
Tetairoa McMillan (Offensive) and Carson Schwesinger (Defensive).
7. Who won Coach of the Year?
Mike Vrabel, after leading the Patriots to a 10-win improvement
