The NFL’s biggest weekend is almost here, but before the confetti flies and a champion is crowned, the league takes a moment to look back and honor the best of the season. That’s where NFL Honors comes in-a night where the league’s brightest stars, standout rookies, inspiring leaders, and unforgettable moments all take center stage.
When and Where to Watch NFL Honors
Set your reminders: NFL Honors kicks off Thursday, February 5, 2026, live from the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco-a fittingly grand venue for one of the league’s most prestigious nights. The show starts at **9 p.m.
ET**, with red carpet coverage beginning an hour earlier at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network.
You can catch the ceremony on NBC and NFL Network, or stream it live via Peacock, Fubo, NFL+, or any live TV streaming service. Just a heads-up-not all time zones will see the event live, so check your local listings if you’re planning to tune in.
The Awards: What’s on the Line
NFL Honors isn’t just about glitz and glamour-it’s where the season’s top performances get the recognition they deserve. Here’s a look at some of the most anticipated awards:
- AP Most Valuable Player
- AP Offensive Player of the Year
- AP Defensive Player of the Year
- Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year
- Comeback Player of the Year
- Coach and Assistant Coach of the Year
- Walter Payton Man of the Year
- Next Gen Stats Moment of the Year
- NFL Fan of the Year
And there’s more. The league also shines a light on community impact and off-the-field excellence with awards like:
- Salute to Service Award
- NFL FLAG Players of the Year
- Celebrations of the Year
- NFL Latino Youth Honors
- FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Year
Bengals in the Spotlight
Cincinnati fans have reason to tune in. Ted Karras, the Bengals’ veteran center, is in the running for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, one of the league’s most meaningful honors. It recognizes players who make a significant impact in their communities while performing at a high level on the field.
The Finalists: Who’s in the Running?
Let’s break down the finalists across the major categories:
Most Valuable Player
- Josh Allen, QB, Bills - A dual-threat force who once again carried Buffalo deep into the postseason.
- Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jaguars - Took a big leap forward and led Jacksonville to new heights.
- Drake Maye, QB, Patriots - The rookie made waves fast, turning heads with his poise and production.
- Christian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers - A do-it-all weapon in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
- Matthew Stafford, QB, Rams - The veteran showed he’s still got it, leading an explosive LA attack.
Offensive Player of the Year
- Drake Maye, QB, Patriots - His rookie season wasn’t just good-it was historic.
- Christian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers - A threat on the ground and through the air.
- Puka Nacua, WR, Rams - Continued his breakout from last year with another stellar campaign.
- Bijan Robinson, RB, Falcons - Lived up to the hype in Year 2 with elite versatility.
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seahawks - Became a go-to target in Seattle’s offense.
Defensive Player of the Year
- **Will Anderson Jr.
**, DE, Texans - Brought relentless energy off the edge.
- Nik Bonitto, LB, Broncos - A breakout year for Denver’s defense.
- Myles Garrett, DE, Browns - A perennial force who anchored Cleveland’s front.
- Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Lions - Took another step toward elite status.
- Micah Parsons, DE, Packers - Now in Green Bay, still wreaking havoc.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
- Jaxson Dart, QB, Giants - Gave New York fans real hope under center.
- Emeka Egbuka, WR, Buccaneers - A reliable target who made big plays in Tampa.
- TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Patriots - A strong complement to Maye in New England’s backfield.
- Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Panthers - A bright spot in Carolina’s offense.
- Tyler Shough, QB, Saints - Showed flashes of brilliance in a tough division.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
- Abdul Carter, LB, Giants - A tackling machine in the middle of Big Blue’s defense.
- Nick Emmanwori, DB, Seahawks - Made an immediate impact in the secondary.
- **James Pearce Jr.
**, DE, Falcons - Added serious juice to Atlanta’s pass rush.
- Carson Schwesinger, LB, Browns - Played beyond his years in a demanding role.
- Xavier Watts, S, Falcons - A ballhawk who found a home in Atlanta’s defense.
Comeback Player of the Year
- Stefon Diggs, WR, Patriots - Reignited his career in Foxborough.
- Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Lions - Bounced back from injury with a vengeance.
- Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jaguars - Recovered from a rough patch to lead a playoff push.
- Christian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers - Stayed healthy and dominated.
- Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys - Silenced the doubters with a strong campaign.
Coach of the Year
- Liam Coen, Jaguars - Helped unlock Lawrence’s potential and turned Jacksonville into a contender.
- Ben Johnson, Bears - Brought life back to Chicago football.
- Mike Macdonald, Seahawks - Seattle’s defense took a leap under his guidance.
- Kyle Shanahan, 49ers - Another year, another dominant team.
- Mike Vrabel, Patriots - Oversaw a major turnaround in New England.
Assistant Coach of the Year
- Vic Fangio, DC, Eagles - His defensive schemes kept Philly in games.
- Brian Flores, DC, Vikings - A steadying force on Minnesota’s sideline.
- Vance Joseph, DC, Broncos - Got the most out of Denver’s talent.
- Klint Kubiak, OC, Seahawks - Helped Smith-Njigba thrive.
- Josh McDaniels, OC, Patriots - Key to Maye’s rapid development.
Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominees
This award goes beyond football. It honors the players who lead with their hearts-on the field, in the locker room, and in their communities. Here are the 32 nominees, one from each team:
- Kelvin Beachum, Cardinals
- **A.J.
Terrell Jr. **, Falcons
- Derrick Henry, Ravens
- Dion Dawkins, Bills
- Austin Corbett, Panthers
- DJ Moore, Bears
- Ted Karras, Bengals
- Grant Delpit, Browns
- Solomon Thomas, Cowboys
- Garett Bolles, Broncos
- D.J. Reader, Lions
- Jordan Love, Packers
- Azeez Al-Shaair, Texans
- Kenny Moore II, Colts
- Logan Cooke, Jaguars
- Travis Kelce, Chiefs
- Maxx Crosby, Raiders
- Cameron Dicker, Chargers
- Kyren Williams, Rams
- Bradley Chubb, Dolphins
- **C.J.
Ham**, Vikings
- Hunter Henry, Patriots
- Demario Davis, Saints
- Bobby Okereke, Giants
- Quincy Williams, Jets
- Jordan Mailata, Eagles
- Alex Highsmith, Steelers
- Curtis Robinson, 49ers
- Julian Love, Seahawks
- Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers
- Jeffery Simmons, Titans
- Bobby Wagner, Commanders
Final Thoughts
NFL Honors is more than just a night of awards-it’s a celebration of everything that makes the league great. From breakout rookies and MVP-caliber seasons to community heroes and comeback stories, it’s a reminder of how much can happen in one NFL season. And with a stacked list of finalists, this year’s show promises to be one to remember.