Major Awards
Matthew Stafford is named the 2025 NFL MVP, edging out rookie sensation Drake Maye by a razor-thin 5-point margin (366 to 361). Stafford earns 24 first-place votes to Maye’s 23, with Josh Allen and Justin Herbert also receiving votes. The announcement culminates a comeback year for the Rams quarterback, and he capped his MVP acceptance speech by confirming he will return for the 2026 season.
In Offensive Player of the Year voting, Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba finishes first with 272 points, outpacing Christian McCaffrey (223), Puka Nacua (170), and Bijan Robinson (168). Rookie quarterback Drake Maye also garners 58 points and 5 first-place votes in this category, highlighting his impact.
The league’s top defensive honor goes to Myles Garrett, who is named the 2025 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, anchoring a dominant Cleveland Browns defense. Rookie teammate Carson Schwesinger, a linebacker, wins Defensive Rookie of the Year, giving the Browns a sweep of the top defensive accolades.
Offensive Rookie of the Year honors go to Tetairoa McMillan of the Carolina Panthers. The wide receiver emerged as a key weapon in Carolina’s offense during his debut season.
McCaffrey also takes home 2025 Comeback Player of the Year, reflecting his return to elite form with the San Francisco 49ers after an injury-riddled prior season.
Hall of Fame Inductions
The 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class features five NFL greats: Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly, Adam Vinatieri, and Roger Craig. All are honored for their outstanding individual careers and contributions to the game’s history.
However, the class also sparks controversy. Former Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski publicly criticizes the Hall for excluding legendary head coach Bill Belichick on the first ballot, stating that no coach should now be inducted first-ballot, including contemporaries like Andy Reid.
Coach of the Year
Mike Vrabel wins AP NFL Coach of the Year honors after a strong season leading the New England Patriots. He receives 302 points and 19 first-place votes, besting Liam Coen (Jacksonville), Mike Macdonald (Seattle), Ben Johnson (Chicago), and Kyle Shanahan (San Francisco) in the voting.
Special Recognition
Veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner of the Washington Commanders is recognized as the 2025 Walter Payton Man of the Year, honoring his impact both on and off the field. His leadership and charitable work continue to set a standard across the league.
Chicago Bears guard Joe Thuney becomes the first-ever recipient of the NFL’s newly introduced Protector of the Year award, recognizing exceptional offensive line performance in 2025.
Quarterback Developments
49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones welcomes trade speculation, stating his desire to become a starter again in the NFL, similar to Sam Darnold’s rebound path. Jones hopes to reboot his career outside of San Francisco after serving as a reserve in 2025.
Panthers quarterback Bryce Young reflects on being benched earlier in the season, framing it as a catalyst for greater consistency. Entering Year 4, Young says he and Carolina aim to refine the team’s identity moving forward.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins speaks positively about his rehab and offseason mindset, emphasizing that he feels rejuvenated and is keeping an “open mind” as he prepares for a potential 15th NFL season.
Legal News
As part of his ongoing lawsuit against the NFL, former Raiders coach Jon Gruden‘s legal team will seek testimony from Commissioner Roger Goodell and several current and former owners. The case centers on whether the league leaked emails that led to Gruden’s resignation in 2021.
Front Office & League Administration
Controversy surrounds Will Lewis, who reportedly walked the NFL Honors red carpet in San Francisco while avoiding communication regarding staff reductions at the Washington Post’s sports department. The conflict has reignited discussions around leadership responsibility in media and sports spaces.
Diversity & Hiring Practices
Former NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith joins analyst Mike Florio in an in-depth discussion on the NFL’s Rooney Rule. The conversation focuses on persistent disparities in hiring practices and explores ideas for more equitable recruitment across the league.
Team & Player Outlooks
Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson shares insights on teammate J.J. McCarthy, advising the young quarterback prospect to remain grounded and focused. Jefferson also reflects on Minnesota’s uneven 2025 campaign and the challenges ahead.