Matthew Stafford Wins First NFL MVP in Razor-Thin Race Over Drake Maye
Seventeen seasons into one of the most resilient quarterback careers in recent memory, Matthew Stafford has finally added the NFL’s most coveted individual honor to his résumé: Most Valuable Player.
The Los Angeles Rams quarterback was named the 2025 NFL MVP during Thursday night’s NFL Honors ceremony, edging out New England Patriots rising star Drake Maye in what turned out to be the tightest MVP race in over two decades. Stafford, who turns 38 this weekend, becomes the latest veteran to claim the award, capping off a season that saw him lead one of the league’s most explosive offenses.
A Historic MVP Finish
The voting came down to the wire-literally. Stafford received 24 first-place votes and 366 total points, barely surpassing Maye’s 23 first-place votes and 361 points.
Not since Peyton Manning and Steve McNair split the award back in 2003 have we seen an MVP race this close. It was a true generational clash: the seasoned vet with a Super Bowl ring versus the sophomore sensation redefining expectations in New England.
Behind them, Buffalo’s Josh Allen (2 first-place votes) finished a distant third, while Christian McCaffrey and Trevor Lawrence rounded out the top five without garnering any first-place votes.
Stafford’s Second Act Keeps Getting Better
Stafford’s MVP campaign was nothing short of elite. He led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns, tossing just eight interceptions while completing 65% of his passes. More than just numbers, though, Stafford was the engine behind the Rams’ 12-5 season and a deep playoff run that ended in the NFC Championship Game against the Seahawks.
This wasn’t just a good year-it was Stafford at the peak of his powers, orchestrating Sean McVay’s offense with surgical precision. His arm talent has never been in question, but this season, it was his decision-making and command of the game that stood out. He earned a first-team All-Pro nod, and now, finally, the MVP trophy to go with it.
And the story doesn’t end here. After accepting the award, Stafford made it clear he’s not done yet: “I’ll see you guys next year,” he said, confirming his return for an 18th NFL season.
Maye’s Meteoric Rise
While Stafford took home the hardware, Drake Maye’s second-year leap deserves its own spotlight. The Patriots went from 4-13 in 2024 to 14-3 this season, and Maye was at the heart of that turnaround.
He led the league in completion percentage at 72%, threw for 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns, and added four scores on the ground. His poise, accuracy, and ability to extend plays made him one of the league’s most dangerous young quarterbacks-and nearly the youngest MVP winner since Lamar Jackson.
Maye’s Patriots are still in the hunt for the ultimate prize, too. They’ll face the Seahawks in Super Bowl LX on Sunday, giving him a chance to cap off his breakout year with a championship.
MVP Voting Breakdown
| Player | 1st-Place Votes | Total Points |
|---|
| Matthew Stafford | 24 | 366 | | Drake Maye | 23 | 361 |
| Josh Allen | 2 | 91 | | Christian McCaffrey | 0 | 71 |
| Trevor Lawrence | 0 | 49 |
A Rare Win for a Veteran QB
Stafford’s win also continues a trend: quarterbacks dominating the MVP conversation. No non-QB has won the award since Adrian Peterson in 2012. McCaffrey had a strong case as the league’s most dynamic running back, but in today’s NFL, it’s the quarterbacks who drive the narrative-and the scoreboard.
For Stafford, this MVP is a crowning achievement in a career that’s been defined by toughness, talent, and perseverance. After spending 12 seasons in Detroit without a playoff win, he’s now added a Super Bowl and an MVP in just a few years with the Rams. That’s one of the most impressive second acts we’ve seen from a quarterback in a long time.
Other Honors from NFL Awards Night
The NFL Honors ceremony also recognized several other standout figures from the 2025 season. Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner was named Walter Payton Man of the Year, a testament to his leadership both on and off the field. Meanwhile, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels took home Assistant Coach of the Year, a nod to the offensive turnaround he engineered with Maye at the helm.
And in a moment that had fans reminiscing about greatness, the league unveiled its 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, headlined by quarterback Drew Brees and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald-two legends who helped define an era.
Stafford’s MVP moment is more than just a personal milestone-it’s a reminder that in a league constantly chasing the next big thing, there’s still room for a veteran to rise, to lead, and to win.