2026 NFL Honors Recap

Last night the NFL Honors took place in San Francisco, California ahead of Sundays Super Bowl. Let’s get you caught up just in case you weren’t able to tune into it!

Top Honors

• Most Valuable Player (MVP): Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams

  
  

  Won one of the closest MVP votes in decades, beating Drake Maye by just 1 vote. Stafford also annoucced that he will be playing in the 2026/2027 season.

• Offensive Player of the Year: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks

  
  

  JSN led the league in receiving yards.

  
  

• AP Defensive Player of the Year: Myles Garrett, DE, Cleveland Browns

  
  

  Garrett set the NFL single-season sack record.

  
  

Major Awards

• Offensive Rookie of the Year: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers

  
  

  Tet was touted as the best WR in the class and he proved it this season.

  
  

• Defensive Rookie of the Year: Carson Schwesinger, LB, Cleveland Browns

  
  

  Schwesinger had one of the best rookie seasons for a Linebacker in NFL history.

  
  

• Comeback Player of the Year: Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers

  
  

  CMC returned to the Niners with great production in both the pass and run game.

  
  

• Coach of the Year: Mike Vrabel, HC, New England Patriots

  
  

  In just 1 year as the New England Head Coach, Vrabel led a significant team turnaround. His team battles for a championship this Sunday.

Special Recognitions

• Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year: Bobby Wagner, LB, Washington Commanders

  
  

  Bobby was honored for leadership and community impact. He is strongly respected amongst his NFL peers.

• Protector of the Year: Joe Thuney, OG, Chicago Bears

  
  

  Joe Thuney was acquired via trade by the Bears and was recognized for excellence in the trenches. This is the first time this award has been given out.

HALL OF FAME

• Drew Brees

• Larry Fitzgerald

• Luke Kuechly

• Adam Vinatieri

• Roger Craig