Stafford beats Maye to win MVP in closest race since 2003

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has been named NFL MVP, beating out New England Patriots passer Drake Maye and three other finalists to claim the marquee award for the first time in his career.

Stafford, who turns 38 on Saturday, was announced as the MVP at Thursday’s NFL Honors ceremony. He won the title over Maye, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars signal-caller Trevor Lawrence, and San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey.

Maye nearly won the prestigious award in his second NFL season, marking the closest MVP race since Peyton Manning and Steve McNair shared the honor in 2003.

Player First-place votes Points
Stafford 24 366
Maye 23 361
Allen 2 91
McCaffrey 0 71
Lawrence 0 49
The award crowns a standout season in which Stafford led the league with 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns while throwing only eight interceptions with a 65% completion rate. He guided the Rams to a 12-5 record and earned a first-team All-Pro berth.

The MVP race was widely considered a two-man contest between Stafford and Maye, who led the NFL in pass completion rate and accounted for 35 touchdowns. The Patriots posted a 14-3 record in 2025, up from 4-13 in ’24.

Stafford Maye
65 Comp.% 72
4707 Yds 4394
46 TDs 31
8 INT 8
0 TD runs 4
After receiving the MVP award, Stafford confirmed he’ll return for his 18th season in 2026.

“I’ll see you guys next year,” Stafford said.

Stafford’s Rams reached the NFC title game this season but fell short against the Seattle Seahawks. The Maye-led Patriots face the Seahawks in Super Bowl LX on Sunday.

Stafford’s first MVP comes in Year 17, adding to his remarkable second act in the NFL. He also captured his first Super Bowl since joining the Rams following a standout 12-year stint with the Detroit Lions.

A non-quarterback hasn’t been named NFL MVP since running back Adrian Peterson in 2012.

Rest of the awards
Award Winner
OPOY Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba Read more
DPOY Browns DE Myles Garrett Read more
OROY Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan Read more
DROY Browns LB Carson Schwesinger Read more
Comeback 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey Read more
Coach Patriots HC Mike Vrabel Read more
Other notable award winners this year included Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner (Walter Payton Man of the Year) and Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels (Assistant Coach of the Year).

The league also revealed the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class on Thursday, with Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald headlining the five-player group.

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