Matthew Stafford capped off a remarkable season with the highest individual honor in the NFL, taking home the league’s MVP award at the NFL Honors on Thursday night. At 37, the Los Angeles Rams quarterback not only secured his first MVP trophy but also etched his name into the history books as the oldest quarterback to win the award for the first time.
And it didn’t come easy. Stafford edged out a loaded field of contenders, including Buffalo’s Josh Allen, Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence, San Francisco’s do-it-all back Christian McCaffrey, and New England rookie standout Drake Maye. In fact, the race was so tight that Stafford reportedly won by just a single first-place vote over Maye - a razor-thin margin in one of the closest MVP ballots the league has ever seen.
But if there were any lingering questions about Stafford’s future, he put those to rest during his acceptance speech. With a smile and a nod to the fans, family, and teammates who’ve backed him through thick and thin, Stafford made it clear: he’s not going anywhere.
“I am so happy to have you at the games on the sideline with me, and I can't wait for you to cheer me on next year when we're out there kicking ass,” Stafford said. “So, I'll see you guys next year.
Hopefully, I'm not at this event, and we're getting ready for another game in SoFi. So, I appreciate you guys.
Thank you very much.”
It was a classic Stafford moment - heartfelt, confident, and laced with the kind of competitive fire that’s defined his career. This season, he reminded everyone why he’s still one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league. Whether it was threading tight-window throws, managing the offense with surgical precision, or simply willing his team to wins, Stafford delivered when it mattered most.
This MVP win isn’t just a personal milestone - it’s a testament to his resilience, longevity, and the high level of play he continues to bring to the field. After years of grinding through tough seasons in Detroit and then leading the Rams to a Super Bowl, Stafford’s journey has come full circle. And based on his words Thursday night, he’s not done writing his story just yet.
So while the spotlight was on Stafford for his MVP moment, don’t be surprised if he’s back under the bright lights next February - not at the podium, but under center, chasing another ring.