NFL Honors 2026 Winners List: The 15th annual NFL Honors showcased the league’s brightest stars and biggest breakout performers of the 2025 campaign at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, with fanfare, emotion, and jaw-dropping statistics.
NFL Honors 2026 Winners List
The event was hosted by Jon Hamm and broadcasted on major networks. It brought together football legends with current NFL players and future Hall of Fame inductees.
Most Valuable Player (MVP)
Matthew Stafford: Quarterback, Los Angeles Rams
The NFL MVP award election reached one of its most competitive points when Matthew Stafford won his first MVP award at 37 years old by defeating New England Patriots star Drake Maye in a close voting process. Stafford achieved his remarkable season through 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns.
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“You’re unbelievable cheerleaders for me,” he said. “I appreciate it. I am so happy to have you at the games on the sideline with me, and I can’t wait for you to cheer me on next year when we’re out there kicking (butt).”
Coach of the Year
Mike Vrabel: Head Coach, New England Patriots
Mike Vrabel started his time with New England as a tactical genius which led to his selection as NFL Coach of the Year. Vrabel’s leadership guided the Patriots to an impressive turnaround and a berth in Super Bowl LX, a testament to his ability to get the most out of his roster after offseason changes.
Offensive Player of the Year
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Wide Receiver, Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks’ star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba took home Offensive Player of the Year after leading the league with an astounding 1,793 receiving yards.
Defensive Player of the Year
Myles Garrett: Defensive End, Cleveland Browns
One of the NFL’s most feared pass rushers, Myles Garrett, secured his second Defensive Player of the Year award after setting a new single-season sack record with 23—breaking a longstanding mark previously co-held by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Tetairoa McMillan: Wide Receiver, Carolina Panthers
Rising star Tetairoa McMillan of the Carolina Panthers was recognized as the Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Carson Schwesinger: Linebacker, Cleveland Browns
On the other side of the ball, Carson Schwesinger earned Defensive Rookie of the Year, leading all first-year defenders with relentless pursuit and toughness. Schwesinger’s performance anchored a Browns defense that consistently shut down opponents and created turnovers throughout the season.
Protector of the Year (Inaugural Award)
Joe Thuney: Guard, Chicago Bears
In an exciting addition to the NFL honors, the first ever Protector of the Year awardvdesigned to honor offensive linemen was awarded to Joe Thuney. His exceptional pass-blocking and consistency helped transform the Bears’ offensive line into one of the league’s best.
Comeback Player of the Year
Christian McCaffrey: Running Back, San Francisco 49ers
The Comeback Player of the Year award recognized Christian McCaffrey because he overcame both difficulties and physical setbacks to achieve his success. The 2025 season showcased McCaffrey’s return to his previous level of performance as a runner and receiver through his demonstration of determination and exceptional talent.
Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year
Bobby Wagner: Linebacker, Washington Commanders
The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award stands as one of the most distinguished awards which honors players who demonstrate both athletic excellence and dedicated community service. He thanked his father first because “I didn’t realize how hard it was to be a father until I got two kids of my own.”
“A lot of time spent away trying to provide for a family, and it made me appreciate the job that he did. So I’m truly grateful for him,” he added.
But then he turned to his mom, saying “I cannot be up here and not talk about my mom.”
“She is and will forever be my rock,” he added. “She’s the reason why I’m standing here. She’s a person that had confidence in me when I didn’t even have confidence in myself.”
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Best Moment of the Year
Caleb Williams to D.J. Moore: Chicago Bears
The NFL selected Caleb Williams’ game-winning touchdown pass to D.J. Moore as its Next Gen Stats Moment of the Year because it produced an amazing play which excited viewers from across the globe.
NFL Honors 2026 Winners List: Other Awards
Salute to Service Award: Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers
FedEx Air and Ground Players of the Year: Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots; Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers; Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks
Deacon Jones Sack Leader Award: Myles Garrett, DE, Cleveland Browns
Jim Brown Rushing Yards Leader Award: James Cook, RB, Buffalo Bills
Art Rooney Award: Budda Baker, S, Arizona Cardinals
Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026: Drew Brees, quarterback; Larry Fitzgerald, wide receiver; Luke Kuechly; linebacker; Adam Vinatieri; kicker’ Roger Craig, running back (Senior category)
Next Gen Stats Moment of the Year: Chicago Bears overtime touchdown in win over Green Bay Packers
NFL Fan of the Year: Edward Callahan, Philadelphia Eagles
NFL FLAG Players of the Year: Female, Ava Rotondi; Male, Brysen Wright
Don Shula High School Coach of the Year: Dylen Smith, Palisades Charter High School, California; Dave Ettinger, Garden City High School, New York
