Matthew Stafford Wins First NFL MVP in a Nail-Biter, Capping Off a Career Year at 37
Matthew Stafford has spent nearly two decades in the NFL slinging passes with a gunslinger’s confidence and a surgeon’s precision. Now, in his 17th season, he finally has an MVP trophy to show for it.
The Los Angeles Rams quarterback was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player at Thursday night’s NFL Honors ceremony, edging out New England Patriots rising star Drake Maye by the slimmest of margins in one of the tightest MVP races in league history. Stafford received 24 first-place votes and 366 total points-just one vote and five points ahead of Maye, who finished with 23 first-place votes and 361 points.
To put that in perspective: this was the closest MVP race since 2003, when Peyton Manning and Steve McNair shared the award. That’s how razor-thin the margin was between Stafford and Maye.
A Career Year at 37
Stafford turns 38 this Saturday, but his play this season looked anything but aging. He led the league with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns, tossing just eight interceptions while completing 65% of his passes.
That kind of production would be impressive for any quarterback, let alone one in Year 17. He also earned first-team All-Pro honors and guided the Rams to a 12-5 record and a trip to the NFC Championship Game.
While the Rams ultimately fell short against the Seahawks in that title game, Stafford’s season was nothing short of elite. He was the engine of Sean McVay’s offense, delivering big-time throws week after week and reminding everyone why he’s long been one of the most talented arms in the league-even if the accolades hadn’t always followed.
A Two-Man Race With a Rising Star
The MVP discussion this year quickly narrowed to two names: Stafford and Maye. The Patriots’ second-year quarterback had a breakout season of his own, leading New England to a 14-3 record after a dismal 4-13 campaign the year before. Maye topped the league in completion percentage at 72% and accounted for 35 total touchdowns-31 through the air and four on the ground-while matching Stafford’s eight interceptions.
Here’s how the two stacked up statistically:
| Stat | Stafford | Maye |
|---|
| Completion % | 65% | 72% | | Passing Yards | 4,707 | 4,394 |
| Passing TDs | 46 | 31 | | INTs | 8 | 8 |
| Rushing TDs | 0 | 4 |
It was a classic case of volume and explosiveness (Stafford) vs. efficiency and all-around impact (Maye). And in the end, Stafford’s gaudy numbers and the Rams’ strong season gave him just enough edge to take home the league’s top individual honor.
"I'll See You Guys Next Year"
After accepting the award, Stafford confirmed what many had hoped to hear: he’s not done yet.
“I’ll see you guys next year,” he said, signaling his return for an 18th NFL season in 2026.
That’s big news for the Rams, who’ve built a contender around their veteran quarterback and will look to make another deep postseason run next year. Stafford’s resurgence has been central to the Rams’ success since he arrived from Detroit, culminating in a Super Bowl win earlier in his L.A. tenure and now his first MVP.
A Changing of the Guard?
While Stafford’s win was a celebration of longevity and perseverance, Maye’s near-miss was a clear sign that the next generation is already here. The 2025 season saw the Patriots go from bottom-feeders to Super Bowl contenders, and Maye was at the heart of that turnaround. He’ll get his shot at the ultimate prize this Sunday when New England faces Seattle in Super Bowl LX.
Maye wasn’t the only young quarterback in the MVP mix-Josh Allen and Trevor Lawrence were also finalists, though neither came close in the voting. Allen received two first-place votes and 91 points, while Lawrence earned 49 points. San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, the lone non-quarterback finalist, finished with 71 points but no first-place votes.
It’s worth noting: no non-quarterback has won MVP since Adrian Peterson in 2012. McCaffrey had a phenomenal season, but the streak continues.
Other Honors and Hall of Fame News
The NFL Honors ceremony also recognized several other standout figures from the 2025 season:
- Walter Payton Man of the Year: Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner, honored for his excellence on and off the field.
- Assistant Coach of the Year: Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, a key architect behind Maye’s breakout season and New England’s offensive resurgence.
And in a moment that celebrated the game’s all-time greats, the league announced its 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. Headlining the five-player group: quarterback Drew Brees and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald-two legends whose careers helped define an era of football.
For Stafford, this MVP nod is more than just a trophy-it’s a validation of a career that’s been filled with big numbers, tough seasons, and now, a second act that’s as impressive as any in recent memory. And with at least one more year ahead, he’s not done adding to the legacy.