Matthew Stafford Claims 2025 NFL MVP in Nail-Biter Vote, Announces Return for 2026 Season
SAN FRANCISCO — In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 NFL season, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was crowned the Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player at the NFL Honors ceremony on Thursday night, edging out New England Patriots star Drake Maye in one of the closest races in recent memory.
Stafford, 37, secured 24 of 50 first-place votes to Maye’s 23, tallying 366 points to the young quarterback’s 361. The veteran signal-caller became the oldest quarterback to win his first MVP award, capping a career-resurgent year that silenced doubters concerned about a lingering back injury from training camp.[2][4]
A Season for the Ages
Entering the 2025 campaign, questions swirled around Stafford’s durability after he missed time nursing a back issue. He answered emphatically, leading the league with 4,707 passing yards, 46 touchdowns — a career high and Rams franchise record — and just eight interceptions. His 276.9 yards per game paced the NFL, while his 109.2 passer rating ranked second. Stafford also topped the charts in first downs (236) and powered the Rams’ No. 1 scoring offense at 30.5 points per game, securing a 12-5 record and the NFC’s fifth seed.[3]
Stafford’s dominance extended to the playoffs, where he threw for 936 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception over three games. His standout performance came in the NFC Championship Game, a 31-27 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, with 374 yards and three scores.[2]
| Quarterback | Season | MVP? |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew Stafford | 2025 | Yes |
| Tom Brady | 2007 | Yes |
| Aaron Rodgers | 2011 | Yes |
| Tom Brady | 2020 | Yes |
Remarkably, Stafford joined Tom Brady (2007) as the only players in the last 50 seasons to lead the NFL in passing yards, touchdowns, and TD-INT ratio.[4]
Emotional Acceptance and Big News
Flanked by his daughters on stage, Stafford delivered a heartfelt speech, thanking his family, coaches, and the Rams organization. “The endless hours and time you spent helping me chase my dream means the world to me. It’s the reason I’m standing here today,” he said, crediting his support system and Rams owner Stan Kroenke.[6]
In a bombshell announcement post-award, Stafford quashed retirement rumors, declaring, “I’ll see you guys next year,” confirming his return for the 2026 season amid speculation fueled by his age and injury history.[2][4]
Historic Accolades and Hall of Fame Buzz
This MVP marks Stafford’s first, alongside his inaugural first-team All-Pro selection and third Pro Bowl nod. Paired with his Super Bowl LVI triumph in 2021, it bolsters his Pro Football Hall of Fame case. Once overlooked for padding stats on losing Lions teams, Stafford has elevated Sean McVay’s offense since joining the Rams.[1][3]
Behind Stafford, Buffalo’s Josh Allen (2024 MVP) finished third with 91 points and two first-place votes. San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey placed fourth (71 points), marking his second top-five finish in three years — the most for any non-QB since the weighted system began in 2022. Chargers’ Justin Herbert and Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence rounded out the top five.[2]
“Stafford was lights out this past season… spraying darts and no-look passes all over the gridiron.”
— NFL.com on Stafford’s 2025 performance[3]
Rams React and Looking Ahead
Rams head coach Sean McVay and defensive end Kobie Turner celebrated the milestone in team videos, hailing Stafford’s leadership.[5] As the 13th straight quarterback to claim MVP honors, Stafford’s victory underscores the position’s dominance.[4]
With his return locked in, the Rams eye another deep playoff run in 2026. Stafford’s MVP masterclass not only rewrote his legacy but ignited debates on his Canton enshrinement. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as the grizzled gunslinger aims to add more hardware to his trophy case.
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