NFL Honours 2026 Recap

The National Football League Honours is an annual awards ceremony, famously held the day before the Super Bowl, which recognises the top individuals in the sport across the season. There are many awards on offer, the most anticipated by far being the coveted MVP award. 

(Image credit to: NFL.com)

For the 2025-26 season, the awards were presented by American actor, Jon Hamm, who is famous for his roles in Mad Men, Baby Driver, and Fargo. The highly anticipated MVP award had a long list of finalists, including Matthew Stafford (Rams), Drake Maye (Patriots), Josh Allen (Bills), Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars), and Christian McCaffrey (49ers).

Protector of the Year

The Protector of the Year award was presented to Joe Thuney - the Left Guard for the Chicago Bears - due to his versatility in the NFC Divisional round, his ability to guard, and his tackle that changed the O-Line for the Bears and raised his team to new heights.

Comeback Player of the Year

San Francisco 49ers’ right back, Christian McCaffrey, was awarded the Comeback Player of the Year for his return to the game after many injuries over the season including Achilles tendinitis, a PCL knee injury, and a shoulder injury.

Offensive Rookie of the Year

This award went to Carolina Panthers’ wide receiver, Tetairoa McMillan, for his incredible plays and touchdowns which helped his team to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

Defensive Rookie of the Year

Defensive Rookie of the Year was awarded to Carson Schwesinge, the left back for the Cleveland Browns, for his leading record of tackles and interceptions amongst all rookies for the 2025 season.

Coach of the Year

Mike Vrabel, coach of the New England Patriots, won the coach of the year award for his incredible leadership and decision-making which allowed his team to reach a Super Bowl.

Assistant Coach of the Year

New England Patriots’ offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was awarded the assistant coach of the year award for his ability to turn the team’s defense into an integral part of their playoff and Super Bowl run.

Defensive Player of the Year

This award was given to Cleveland Browns’ Myles Garrett for his tackles and quarterback hits. Much of the Browns’ defence successes over the 2025 season were credited to the individual accomplishments of Garrett.

Offensive Player of the Year

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks, received this award for his impressive season statistics, including 1,793 receiving yards and 119 receptions and 10 touchdowns.

Walter Payton Man of the Year

Washington Commanders left back, Bobby Wagner, was awarded Man of the Year for his efforts with the Phenia Mae Fund, his participation in the NFL’s Inspire Change program, his advocating efforts for social justice reform and mental health, and his Tackle Everything Tech Tour to assist local teens with entrepreneurship and business.

MVP

The Most Valuable Player award was presented to the Los Angeles Rams’ quarterback Matthew Stafford for a very impressive season, including the three-touchdown games against the Arizona Cardinals. Stafford led the NFL with 46 touchdown passes and threw the same number of interceptions as Patriots quarterback, Drake Maye. It was a close race between Maye and Stafford but with just five votes difference, Stafford took home the win.

After yet another eventful NFL honours night, the Seahawks and Patriots players didn’t have much time to celebrate their accomplishments with the Super Bowl taking place just days later! 

Article written by Milla Sinfield