Matthew Stafford has been named the NFL MVP after edging out New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye in one of the closest votes in years.
The Los Angeles Rams star also confirmed he will return for another season, ending speculation about his future as he approaches his 38th birthday.
Stafford received 24 out of 50 first-place votes, narrowly beating Maye in a tight contest that has been described as the closest MVP race since Peyton Manning and Steve McNair shared the award in 2003.
The announcement came during the NFL’s end-of-season awards ceremony in the United States.
The result matters because Stafford’s decision to stay with the Rams keeps the team’s Super Bowl ambitions alive and gives fans a clear headline going into next season.
Why did Matthew Stafford win the NFL MVP award?
Stafford’s supporters pointed to his standout numbers and consistent influence across the season. The Rams quarterback finished the regular season with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdown passes, leading the league in both categories.
He also threw eight interceptions, but voters appeared to prioritise his production and leadership over minor mistakes.
After 17 years in the league, Matthew Stafford is officially an MVP.#NFLHonors | @Invisalign pic.twitter.com/4GO1hKZXT6
— NFL (@NFL) February 6, 2026
Stafford’s performance helped keep the Rams in contention, even though the team later fell short in the NFC Championship game against Seattle.
How close was the NFL MVP vote?
The vote margin between Stafford and Maye was extremely tight.
Stafford won with 24 first-place votes, meaning almost half of the MVP panel viewed him as the top player in the league this season.
The NFL has not seen such a narrow MVP decision in decades, with comparisons being made to the 2003 season when Manning and McNair famously finished level.
What did Stafford say about returning to the Rams?
Stafford confirmed his plans clearly after collecting the award. “Oh yeah, I’ll be back. It’s been a special year with great teammates and coaches. I’m just grateful I finished healthy,” Stafford said.
Matthew Stafford brought his kids on his stage to accept the MVP Award ❤️
NFL Honors on NBC/NFL Network
Stream on @NFLPlus & Peacock pic.twitter.com/AXkKhTP4Pp— NFL (@NFL) February 6, 2026
His return gives the Rams stability at quarterback, a position that often decides whether teams compete for titles or rebuild.
During his MVP moment, Stafford appeared on stage with his four daughters, who wore matching black-and-white outfits, adding a family touch to the ceremony.
He also praised their support while speaking to the crowd. “You’re unbelievable cheerleaders for me. I can’t wait for you to cheer me on next year when we’re out there kicking ass.”
What were Stafford and Drake Maye’s key stats this season?
The MVP race came down to two elite seasons, but their strengths differed.
| Category (2025 Regular Season) | Matthew Stafford (Rams) | Drake Maye (Patriots) |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 4,707 | 4,394 |
| Touchdowns | 46 | 31 |
| Interceptions | 8 | — |
| Completion Percentage | — | 72% |
| Passer Rating | 109.2 | 113.5 |
Maye led the league in passer rating and completion percentage, but Stafford delivered higher volume production and more touchdowns.
Maye still has a chance to boost his reputation further, as he is expected to lead the Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks in the upcoming Super Bowl.
Who else won major NFL awards this season?
Several other major NFL honours were confirmed alongside the NFL MVP announcement.
Defensive Player of the Year: Myles Garrett
Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett won the award unanimously after setting a new season sack record with 23 sacks.
“It doesn’t just start with me. It starts with great teammates, a great organisation, great coaches being able to put us in position,” Garrett said.
This is Garrett’s second Defensive Player of the Year win, having previously taken the title in 2023.
Offensive Player of the Year: Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Seattle Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba won after an outstanding season, catching 119 passes for a league-leading 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Coach of the Year: Mike Vrabel
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was recognised after turning the team around from the bottom of the AFC East into a 10-win side.
Comeback Player of the Year: Christian McCaffrey
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey won after bouncing back from an injury-hit year, finishing with 2,126 total yards from scrimmage and 17 touchdowns.
How are UK NFL fans reacting to Stafford’s NFL MVP win?
The NFL continues to grow in popularity across the UK thanks to regular London games and coverage through Sky Sports and online streaming platforms.
Stafford’s NFL MVP victory is likely to drive more interest in Rams games next season, especially among UK fans who follow star quarterbacks and high-scoring teams.
Many British NFL viewers have also followed Maye’s rapid rise in New England, making the MVP result a major talking point heading into the Super Bowl.
