The NFL’s biggest weekend is almost here, and before the Seahawks and Patriots square off in Super Bowl 60, the league will take a moment to recognize the best of the best from the 2025 regular season. That’s right - it’s time for the NFL Honors.
The annual awards show is set for Thursday night, live from the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, and it promises to deliver more than just hardware. With Jon Hamm hosting and the red carpet rolling out an hour before the main event, this year’s show is shaping up to be a celebration of elite performances, breakout stars, and comeback stories that defined the season.
Here’s everything you need to know heading into NFL Honors - including how to watch, who’s in the running, and which names could walk away with some serious recognition.
When and Where to Watch
- Date: Thursday, Feb. 5
- Time: 9 p.m. ET
- Channel: NBC
- Streaming: Available on Peacock and NFL+
- Location: Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco, California
What’s on the Line?
The NFL will hand out awards across a wide range of categories - from the league’s top overall player to the rookies who burst onto the scene, and even the unsung heroes in the trenches. Here’s a breakdown of the honors being handed out:
- AP Most Valuable Player
- AP Offensive Player of the Year
- AP Defensive Player of the Year
- AP Offensive Rookie of the Year
- AP Defensive Rookie of the Year
- Coach of the Year
- Comeback Player of the Year
- Assistant Coach of the Year
- Protector of the Year
- Next Gen Stats Moment of the Year
MVP Race: A Quarterback-Heavy Field - With a Twist
The MVP conversation this year is loaded with quarterback talent, but don’t overlook the one non-QB who’s very much in the mix. Christian McCaffrey’s all-around dominance for the 49ers has him right alongside the likes of Matthew Stafford, Drake Maye, Josh Allen, and Trevor Lawrence. Each had a standout season, but McCaffrey’s ability to carry the offense in both the run and pass game makes him a legitimate threat to break the quarterback stranglehold on this award.
- Finalists: Matthew Stafford, QB, Rams Drake Maye, QB, Patriots Josh Allen, QB, Bills Christian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jaguars
Offensive Player of the Year: Speed, Skill, and Star Power
This category is always a little more wide open than MVP, and this year’s finalists bring a mix of explosive playmakers. Puka Nacua turned heads with his production in Los Angeles, while Bijan Robinson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba brought electricity to their respective backfields and receiving corps. And yes, McCaffrey and Maye are also in the running here - a testament to their dual-threat impact all year long.
- Finalists: Puka Nacua, WR, Rams Bijan Robinson, RB, Falcons Christian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seahawks Drake Maye, QB, Patriots
Defensive Player of the Year: Edge Rushers Dominate
If you like chaos in the backfield, this is your category. The finalists here are the league’s most disruptive defenders, and they’ve all made life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.
Myles Garrett continues to be a force in Cleveland, while Micah Parsons has made a seamless transition in Green Bay. Will Anderson Jr., Aidan Hutchinson, and Nik Bonitto round out a group that’s all about pressure, power, and production.
- Finalists: Myles Garrett, DE, Browns Micah Parsons, DL, Packers Will Anderson Jr., DE, Texans Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Lions Nik Bonitto, LB, Broncos
Coach of the Year: Young Minds, Big Results
This year’s coaching crop tells a compelling story - from Ben Johnson’s revival of the Bears to Mike Macdonald leading the Seahawks to the big game. Kyle Shanahan continues to be a model of consistency in San Francisco, while Liam Coen and Mike Vrabel helped turn their teams into playoff contenders with sharp game plans and locker room leadership.
- Finalists: Ben Johnson, Bears Liam Coen, Jaguars Mike Macdonald, Seahawks Kyle Shanahan, 49ers Mike Vrabel, Patriots
Comeback Player of the Year: Resilience on Display
This award is all about the journey - and the finalists each overcame their own hurdles to return to form. Dak Prescott and Trevor Lawrence battled through adversity and led their teams with poise.
McCaffrey, once again, showed that when healthy, he’s one of the most dynamic players in the league. Stefon Diggs and Aidan Hutchinson also made major impacts after setbacks.
- Finalists: Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys Christian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers Stefon Diggs, WR, Patriots Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jaguars Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Lions
Rookies Who Made It Look Easy
Offensive Rookie of the Year features a group that didn’t just adapt to the NFL - they thrived. Quarterbacks like Jaxson Dart and Tyler Shough showed poise beyond their years, while receivers like Tetairoa McMillan and Emeka Egbuka proved they could be go-to options from Day 1. TreVeyon Henderson also gave the Patriots a strong ground game to lean on.
- Finalists: Jaxson Dart, QB, Giants Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Panthers Tyler Shough, QB, Saints Emeka Egbuka, WR, Buccaneers TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Patriots
On the Defensive Rookie of the Year side, it’s a showcase of speed, instincts, and impact. Abdul Carter and Carson Schwesinger were tackling machines, while James Pearce Jr. and Xavier Watts brought heat off the edge and in coverage. Nick Emmanwori made plays all over the field for Seattle.
- Finalists: Abdul Carter, LB, Giants Carson Schwesinger, LB, Browns James Pearce Jr., DE, Falcons Xavier Watts, S, Falcons Nick Emmanwori, S, Seahawks
Behind the Scenes: Assistant Coaches and Protectors Get Their Due
The Assistant Coach of the Year award shines a light on the minds behind the game plans. Brian Flores helped stabilize the Vikings defense, while Klint Kubiak and Josh McDaniels orchestrated productive offenses in Seattle and New England. Vic Fangio and Vance Joseph also deserve credit for getting the most out of their defensive units.
- Finalists: Brian Flores, DC, Vikings Klint Kubiak, OC, Seahawks Vic Fangio, DC, Eagles Josh McDaniels, OC, Patriots Vance Joseph, DC, Broncos
In the trenches, the Protector of the Year finalists represent the league’s elite offensive linemen - the guys who keep quarterbacks upright and run games humming. From Creed Humphrey’s steady presence in Kansas City to Penei Sewell’s dominance in Detroit, this group has earned every bit of recognition.
- Finalists: Garrett Bolles, OT, Broncos Aaron Brewer, G, Dolphins Creed Humphrey, C, Chiefs Quinn Meinerz, G, Broncos Penei Sewell, OT, Lions Joe Thuney, G, Bears
With the Super Bowl just days away, the NFL Honors offers a chance to reflect on the individual brilliance that shaped the 2025 season. Whether it’s a veteran reclaiming their form, a rookie making a name for themselves, or a coach pushing all the right buttons, Thursday night is about celebrating the stories behind the stats.
Set your reminders - this is one show you won’t want to miss.