The 2026 NFL Honors ceremony was successfully held on February 5, 2026, during Super Bowl LX week, celebrating the best performers of the 2025–26 NFL season. This marked the 15th annual NFL Honors, an event that recognizes players, coaches, and contributors who shaped the season.
Held just days before the Super Bowl, the ceremony remains one of the most prestigious nights on the NFL calendar, combining awards, star appearances, and league-wide recognition in one grand show.
NFL Honors 2026: Key Event Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | NFL Honors 2026 |
| Date | Thursday, February 5, 2026 |
| Time | 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM ET |
| India Time | 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM IST (Feb 6) |
| Venue | Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco |
| Host | Jon Hamm |
| Red Carpet | 8:00 PM ET (NFL Network) |
| TV (USA) | NBC, NFL Network |
| Streaming | Peacock, NFL+, Hulu Live, YouTube TV, FuboTV |
The venue was chosen due to its proximity to Super Bowl LX host city, making it a centerpiece event of Super Bowl week.
How to Watch NFL Honors 2026 in India
Indian viewers could follow the event primarily through international streaming platforms. Official highlights were also released shortly after the ceremony.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Peacock / NFL+ | Available via VPN |
| JioCinema / SonyLIV | Limited NFL content (region-based) |
| NFL YouTube Channel | Highlights & clips |
Major Awards & Finalists
The NFL Honors ceremony features awards voted on by Associated Press (AP) NFL voters, ensuring transparency and credibility.
Most Valuable Player (MVP)
Finalists:
- Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams)
- Drake Maye (New England Patriots)
- Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)
- Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars)
- Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers)
Prediction:
Matthew Stafford entered the night as the favorite due to elite passing numbers and leadership in high-pressure games. Drake Maye also drew strong support after a breakout season.
Also see: Jeff Stoutland Leaves Eagles After 13 Seasons: End of “Stoutland University” Era
Offensive Player of the Year
Top Finalists:
- Drake Maye
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba
- Puka Nacua
- Christian McCaffrey
Prediction:
Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Drake Maye were the leading contenders, while McCaffrey remained a close third due to all-purpose production.
Defensive Player of the Year
Finalists:
- Myles Garrett
- Aidan Hutchinson
Prediction:
Myles Garrett was widely expected to win based on sack totals, pressure rate, and overall defensive impact.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Finalists:
- Tetairoa McMillan
- Tyler Shough
Prediction:
Tetairoa McMillan stood out after crossing the 1,000-yard receiving mark, making him the clear favorite.
Coach of the Year
Finalists:
- Mike Vrabel
- Liam Coen
- Ben Johnson
- Mike Macdonald
- Kyle Shanahan
Prediction:
Mike Vrabel led most projections after guiding New England to a Super Bowl appearance, a major factor in voter preference.
Other Major Honors
- Comeback Player of the Year: Christian McCaffrey
- Walter Payton Man of the Year: Awarded for leadership, charity, and impact beyond football
- Assistant Coach of the Year: Recognizing tactical excellence
These awards highlight the league’s emphasis on performance, resilience, and character.
What Made NFL Honors 2026 Special
This year’s ceremony carried extra significance due to its timing and storylines:
- Held days before Super Bowl LX
- Hosted by Jon Hamm, adding mainstream appeal
- Strong MVP race with no clear runaway winner
- Emphasis on young stars like Drake Maye and McMillan
- Recognition of comeback and leadership narratives
Super Bowl LX Context
The awards ceremony set the tone for Super Bowl LX, scheduled on February 8, 2026, featuring:
- Seattle Seahawks vs New England Patriots
- Venue: Levi’s Stadium, California
NFL Honors traditionally builds anticipation for the Super Bowl, and 2026 followed that tradition perfectly.
NFL Honors 2026 delivered a well-balanced celebration of excellence, blending veteran dominance with emerging talent. With strong MVP debates, standout rookie performances, and respected coaching achievements, the ceremony reflected one of the most competitive NFL seasons in recent memory.
As the league now shifts focus to Super Bowl LX, the honors night served as the perfect transition from season reflection to championship anticipation.
