NFL MVP Finalists Announced: Drake Maye, Christian McCaffrey Among Elite Company
The NFL MVP race is down to five, and it’s packed with firepower - both familiar and rising. Headlining the list is a pair of names that carry special meaning for Charlotte football fans: New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey.
Maye, the hometown kid who starred at Myers Park High before lighting it up at UNC, has quickly gone from promising prospect to one of the league’s most impactful players. In just his rookie season, the 23-year-old didn’t just steady the ship in New England - he turned it around entirely.
After a 4-13 campaign in 2024, the Patriots surged to a 14-3 record under Maye’s leadership. He started all 17 games, threw for 31 touchdowns and nearly 4,400 yards, and added another 450 yards and four scores on the ground.
That’s the kind of dual-threat production that’s hard to ignore - especially when it translates to wins.
But Maye isn’t the only MVP finalist with Carolina ties. Christian McCaffrey, once the heart of the Panthers offense, is back in the spotlight - and back in top form.
After an injury-marred 2024 season, McCaffrey returned with a vengeance in 2025. He racked up over 2,100 yards from scrimmage and found the end zone 17 times, reminding everyone why he’s long been considered one of the most complete backs in NFL history.
He’s also a finalist for Comeback Player of the Year - and with good reason.
Joining Maye and McCaffrey in the MVP conversation are three other quarterbacks who each made their own compelling case: Buffalo’s Josh Allen, Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence, and the Rams’ Matthew Stafford.
Stafford, in particular, may be the front-runner. The veteran signal-caller threw 46 touchdowns and eclipsed 4,700 passing yards this season, keeping the Rams in the thick of the playoff hunt. It’s the kind of stat line that screams MVP - and with his experience and consistency, he’s earned every bit of the buzz.
Josh Allen, the reigning MVP, continued to be a dynamic force for the Bills. And Trevor Lawrence, now five years removed from being the No. 1 overall pick out of Clemson, delivered his best season yet for the Jaguars - a testament to his growth and the team’s investment in his development.
The MVP winner will be revealed during the NFL Honors show, airing live at 9 p.m. EST on Thursday, Feb.
- But that’s not the only award with Carolina flavor.
Panthers’ Tetairoa McMillan in the Mix for Offensive Rookie of the Year
While the Panthers didn’t make a deep playoff run, they may have struck gold with their top draft pick. Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan - or “TMac” as he’s known - is one of five finalists for Offensive Rookie of the Year, and his case is as strong as anyone’s.
Drafted eighth overall in 2025, McMillan was a bit of a surprise pick at the time, with many fans expecting the Panthers to go defense. But the 22-year-old Hawaiian-born wideout wasted no time proving he belonged - and then some.
McMillan quickly developed a strong connection with quarterback Bryce Young, and by season’s end, he had set a new Panthers rookie receiving record with 1,014 yards. He hauled in seven touchdowns, including a memorable game-winner in soggy November conditions against Matthew Stafford and the Rams.
Down the stretch, McMillan separated himself from the rest of the rookie class, leading all first-year players in both receiving yards and touchdowns. His biggest competition for the award? New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, who also had a standout rookie campaign under center.
McMillan already has some hardware on his shelf - he was named the Pro Football Writers of America’s Rookie of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, and earned a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team on Jan. 20.
For Carolina fans, it’s a sign of hope - a glimpse of what could be a cornerstone player for years to come. And for McMillan, it’s a statement: he’s not just a promising rookie - he’s already one of the most exciting young receivers in the game.
As the NFL gears up for its annual awards night, Charlotte has plenty to celebrate - from a hometown quarterback making waves in New England, to a former Panther still dominating on the West Coast, to a new star rising right at home.