NFL Honors 2026 Shines Spotlight On Bengals And Lions Stars

The stars aligned in San Francisco for one of football’s most dazzling annual spectacles as the 15th NFL Honors took center stage on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the illustrious Palace of Fine Arts. Hosted by actor Jon Hamm, this year’s ceremony was much more than just a glitzy red carpet affair—it was an electrifying celebration of the NFL’s best and brightest from the 2025 season, with the city’s crisp air buzzing with anticipation and pride.

Fans and players alike tuned in across NBC, NFL Network, and streaming platforms such as Peacock and NFL+ to witness the league’s top honors unfold live at 9 p.m. Eastern. The NFL Honors Red Carpet Show, which aired an hour earlier, set the tone with a parade of football’s elite, decked out in sharp suits, radiant smiles, and the undeniable swagger that comes with gridiron glory.

This year’s event wasn’t just about individual accolades—it was a gathering point for unforgettable stories of resilience, leadership, and legacy. Among the most heartwarming moments was the recognition of Cincinnati Bengals center Ted Karras, who was named his team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year club winner. Karras, known for his relentless work ethic on the field and his dedication to community service off it, represented the Bengals with humility and pride. The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, long considered one of the NFL’s most prestigious honors, celebrates players who excel in both performance and philanthropy, and Karras’s nomination was a testament to his wide-ranging impact.

But the night’s spotlight often swung back to the Bengals, with quarterback Joe Burrow stealing headlines and hearts. Just a year after a devastating injury that sidelined him and cast doubt on his future, Burrow’s remarkable comeback was capped by his winning of the AP Comeback Player of the Year Award. Cameras caught him on the red carpet alongside star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, both exuding confidence and camaraderie. Photographers snapped iconic shots of Burrow smiling for portraits, walking the carpet, and later, celebrating his hard-earned award with friends, teammates, and even rivals—like Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who shared a congratulatory handshake.

Burrow’s journey was the stuff of sports legend. After being forced to watch much of the previous season from the sidelines, his return to form in 2025 was a masterclass in perseverance. The moment he took the stage to accept the Comeback Player of the Year trophy, the crowd erupted. Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, a friend and former college teammate, was seen embracing Burrow in a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of the night—one of mutual respect, joy, and triumph over adversity.

Meanwhile, the Bengals’ rich history was honored yet again as legendary figures Willie Anderson and Ken Anderson were announced as finalists for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. Ken Anderson, a senior player finalist, and Willie Anderson, one of 15 Modern Era finalists, both received nods that reignited memories of their iconic contributions to Cincinnati football. For the Bengals faithful, it was a night that connected past, present, and future, weaving together stories of greatness that transcend generations.

While the Bengals basked in the glow of their achievements, Detroit Lions fans had plenty to cheer about as well. The week in San Francisco had already been a whirlwind for Lions standouts, with the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games taking place just two days prior, on Tuesday, February 3. The NFC and AFC squads clashed in a star-studded exhibition, and Detroit’s contingent was front and center. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown dazzled fans with his signature flair, scoring touchdowns and celebrating with teammates like Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride. Linebacker Jack Campbell made his presence felt on defense, tackling Buffalo Bills running back James Cook and chasing down AFC stars across the field. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs and quarterback Jared Goff also turned heads, with Goff orchestrating NFC drives and Gibbs showing off his trademark agility.

The Pro Bowl wasn’t just a showcase of skills—it was a reunion of the league’s top talent. The NFC’s quarterbacks, including Goff, Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys, and Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles, were introduced to raucous applause. The Lions’ own Aidan Hutchinson, a finalist for both Defensive Player of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year, was a focal point of the week. After suffering a broken leg in Week 6 of the previous season, Hutchinson stormed back in 2025 with 14.5 sacks, 54 tackles, and four forced fumbles, earning his second Pro Bowl selection and a shot at league-wide recognition. Offensive lineman Penei Sewell, another Lions cornerstone, was a finalist for the inaugural Protector of the Year award, having allowed just one sack and six quarterback hits during his dominant campaign.

The festivities in San Francisco were a reminder of the NFL’s enduring appeal—its ability to unite fans, honor heroes, and inspire future generations. The Palace of Fine Arts, with its stately columns and grand rotunda, provided a fitting backdrop for a night that was both glamorous and deeply meaningful. As the awards were handed out and legends were celebrated, the city became a temporary epicenter of football culture, buzzing with energy and anticipation for what’s next.

And what’s next, of course, is the biggest game of them all. With Super Bowl LX looming just days away—set for Sunday, February 8, 2026, with kickoff at 6:30 p.m. on NBC—the NFL Honors served as the perfect prelude. The league’s best have been recognized, the stories have been told, but the final chapter of the season is yet to be written. Fans, players, and coaches now turn their eyes to the Super Bowl, eager to see who will rise, who will fall, and which new legends will be born under the brightest lights in sports.

As the curtain fell on the 15th NFL Honors, one thing was clear: football’s greatest stories are far from over, and San Francisco’s celebration was just the beginning of another unforgettable chapter in the NFL’s rich tapestry.