Matthew Stafford Wins NFL MVP Award and Plans to Return to Rams

Matthew Stafford claimed the prestigious AP NFL Most Valuable Player award and has confirmed his return to the Los Angeles Rams for another season. The announcement was made during a ceremony where Stafford narrowly edged out Drake Maye for the MVP title. Stafford received 24 out of 50 first-place votes compared to Maye’s 23, marking the closest MVP race since Peyton Manning and Steve McNair shared the honor in 2003.

Although Maye missed the MVP nod, he leads the New England Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks in the upcoming Super Bowl. Turning 38 soon, Stafford’s decision to return reflects his desire to capture a second Super Bowl ring.

“Oh yeah, I’ll be back,” Stafford confirmed. “It was such an amazing season, and I play with a fantastic group of players and coaches. I was fortunate to finish this season healthy, and I’m eager to see what unfolds next year,” he told the AP.

Accompanied by his four daughters, all wearing matching black-and-white dresses, Stafford accepted his MVP award. He individually thanked his team and gave a heartfelt nod to his family. “You’re unbelievable cheerleaders for me. 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),” he said.

Stafford’s acceptance speech served as a confirmation of his return next season after deliberating retirement. Meanwhile, Myles Garrett secured the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, achieving a record of 23 sacks and becoming a unanimous choice. All-Pro wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerged victorious over Christian McCaffrey for the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year.

In the coaching arena, New England’s Mike Vrabel was recognized as the AP NFL Coach of the Year, surpassing Jacksonville’s Liam Coen. Vrabel made history by being the seventh coach to win the award with two different teams, leading the Patriots from the bottom to the top of the AFC East with a remarkable ten-game turnaround.

Christian McCaffrey, in an impressive comeback, became the first running back in 24 years to win the AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Additionally, Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger secured the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, while Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan garnered the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honor. Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was crowned AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year, marking his third tenure with the team.

These honors were determined by a nationwide panel of 50 media members who cover the league regularly. The voting concluded before the playoffs, and the results were processed by the accounting firm Lutz and Carr. Each voter selected their top five candidates in each of the eight AP NFL award categories, assigning points to first through fifth placements.

In the MVP race, Stafford accumulated 366 points, narrowly defeating Maye, who obtained 361 points. Josh Allen was third with 91 points, followed by Christian McCaffrey with 71, and Trevor Lawrence with 49. It’s noteworthy that since the point system introduction in 2022, McCaffrey has had more top-five finishes than any non-quarterback player.

Stafford led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns, committing only eight interceptions and achieving a passer rating of 109.2, second to Maye. Despite their admirable season, the Rams fell short in the NFC championship game against Seattle.

“It doesn’t just start with me. It starts with great teammates, a great organization, great coaches being able to put us in position. I’m thankful for every one of my teammates to help get me up here. It’s not possible without them,”

Garrett commented regarding his accolade. Garrett’s record-breaking sack against Joe Burrow in the season finale allowed him to surpass previous records held by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt.

The competition across AP NFL awards was fierce, and individuals like Smith-Njigba and McCaffrey put forth stellar performances. Smith-Njigba wrapped up the season with 119 catches for 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns, posting similar impressive stats to his rivals. Meanwhile, McCaffrey led a remarkable recovery, amassing 2,126 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns, playing every game after overcoming significant injuries in 2024.