Matthew Stafford Wins NFL MVP And Announces Rams Return

Matthew Stafford’s journey through the 2025 NFL season culminated in a moment that will be etched in league history. On February 5, 2026, the Los Angeles Rams quarterback was crowned the AP NFL Most Valuable Player at the NFL Honors ceremony in San Francisco, an accolade that not only cements his legacy but also sets the stage for a compelling next chapter in his storied career.

Stafford, 37, edged out New England Patriots’ rising star Drake Maye in the closest MVP race since Peyton Manning and Steve McNair famously shared the award in 2003. The final tally? Stafford received 24 of 50 first-place votes, while Maye captured 23. The razor-thin margin underscored just how remarkable both quarterbacks were this season, but it was Stafford’s consistency and leadership that ultimately tipped the scales.

What made this MVP season so special for Stafford? For starters, he became the first quarterback since Tom Brady in 2007 to lead the NFL in passing yards, passing touchdowns, and touchdown-to-interception ratio all in one campaign. He finished with a league-best 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns, tossing only eight interceptions. In the playoffs, he added to his tally, bringing his total touchdowns for the season—including postseason—to an eye-popping 52. That made him just the fourth quarterback in league history to throw for at least 50 touchdowns in a single season, and one of only three to manage that feat twice in a career. Talk about rarefied air!

Stafford’s leadership didn’t just show up in the stat sheet. After the Rams’ narrow loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game, his wife Kelly posted a touching video of Stafford tucking their four daughters into bed. It was a poignant reminder that, for all the on-field heroics, Stafford is just as much a champion at home. That sentiment was front and center at the NFL Honors, where Stafford arrived on the red carpet with his wife and their four daughters—twins Sawyer and Chandler (8), Hunter (7), and Tyler (5)—all dressed in matching sparkly dresses and carrying bedazzled football-shaped purses. The family’s coordinated look turned heads and stole hearts, with Stafford escorting two of his girls down the carpet as Kelly followed with the other two.

Inside the ceremony, Stafford’s family continued to be his biggest supporters. When he accepted the MVP trophy, he brought his daughters to the stage and delivered a heartfelt message: “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).” According to the Associated Press, this was Stafford’s way of announcing his return for the 2026 season—a decision eagerly anticipated by Rams fans after speculation about possible retirement.

Stafford’s MVP win places him among an elite group of quarterbacks. He’s now the 15th in NFL history to own both an MVP award and a Super Bowl ring as a starter. Of the 14 who came before him, all but one are either already in the Pro Football Hall of Fame or are considered locks for future induction. As CBS Sports observed, “It was the only missing piece of Stafford’s Hall of Fame resume, and now it is a critical addition that separates him from other quarterbacks he could find himself on the Hall of Fame ballot with in the next five to 10 years.”

Let’s talk numbers. Stafford’s career now boasts 64,516 passing yards and 423 touchdowns—figures that stack up with the best of his era. He’s also the oldest quarterback to win his first NFL MVP and to lead the league in passing touchdowns for the first time, both at age 37. And he’s the third player in league history to post three seasons with 40 or more touchdown passes, joining legends Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. Not bad for a player once dismissed as a “compiler” during his long tenure with the Detroit Lions.

Of course, Stafford’s journey hasn’t been without its share of heartbreak. The Rams’ loss to the Seahawks in the NFC title game was a tough pill to swallow, especially after such a dominant season. But if there’s one thing this season has shown, it’s Stafford’s resilience—on and off the field. That sentiment was echoed by teammate Puka Nacua, who offered a unique congratulatory gift: “You and your wife can go out on a date night. Matthew. I’ll watch your kids. I’ll probably have to hire a nanny, but I’ll be at your house, and can at least watch your house.” The gesture, as reported by The California Post, was classic Nacua—earnest, funny, and quietly profound, reflecting the camaraderie and mutual respect in the Rams’ locker room.

The NFL Honors ceremony itself was a night of celebration for more than just Stafford. Myles Garrett took home the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award after setting a new single-season sack record with 23. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba edged out Christian McCaffrey for Offensive Player of the Year, while Mike Vrabel became the seventh coach to win Coach of the Year with two different teams. McCaffrey, meanwhile, made history as the first running back in 24 years to win Comeback Player of the Year. Other award winners included Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger (Defensive Rookie of the Year), Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (Offensive Rookie of the Year), and Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels (Assistant Coach of the Year).

Stafford’s MVP campaign was a testament to perseverance, family, and the power of a second act. After more than a decade in Detroit, where playoff wins were elusive, he’s found new life and new glory in Los Angeles. And now, with his MVP trophy in hand and his family by his side, Stafford has made it clear he’s not done yet. “Oh yeah, I’ll be back,” he told the AP. “It was such an amazing season and I play with such a great group of guys and great group of coaches that I was lucky enough to finish this season healthy, and I wanna make sure that I go out there and see what happens next year.”

As the Rams look ahead to another season with their MVP quarterback at the helm, Stafford’s legacy grows ever brighter. Whether or not another Super Bowl is in the cards, he’s already secured his place in NFL lore—and in the hearts of his family, teammates, and fans alike.