The 2025 NFL Honors ceremony took place this past Sunday, just days before the highly anticipated matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59. The event served as the league's annual celebration of outstanding players and coaches from the regular season, encapsulating 18 weeks of intense competition, fascinating stories, and unforgettable moments.
This year, the primary competition for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award featured several prominent candidates—Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles, and Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens. Both Allen and Jackson were strong contenders, with Allen posting impressive stats: 3,731 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and 531 rushing yards. Jackson, on the other hand, electrified fans with 4,172 passing yards and 41 total touchdowns (with 916 of those yards coming on the ground).
Looking at the Eagles’ ranks, Saquon Barkley made history by surpassing the 2,000 rushing yards milestone, joining elite company as only the ninth player to achieve this feat. His dominant performances kept the Eagles competitive throughout the season, making his candidacy for MVP compelling.
Among the awards presented, the Assistant Coach of the Year went to Ben Johnson, the former offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, who recently stepped down to take over as head coach of the Chicago Bears. Johnson’s offensive prowess enabled the Lions to lead the league with 6,568 net yards and establish themselves as one of the league’s top-scoring teams. Lions quarterback Jared Goff praised Johnson’s impact on his career, saying, “(Ben’s) made a ton of difference... I’ll always be a big fan of his.”
Fans witnessed another narrative of redemption with the Comeback Player of the Year award. The nominees included Sam Darnold, previously deemed washed out, who revitalized his career with the Minnesota Vikings, and Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills, who returned from significant health concerns to make impactful plays throughout the season. This award highlights the stories of resilience and fortitude often seen across the league.
When discussing the Defensive Player of the Year nominees, perennial contenders like T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett enter the conversation, yet this season, the spotlight shone on Eagles' Zack Baun. After signing with Philadelphia, Baun flourished, accumulating 151 total tackles and being predominantly recognized for his defensive skills. Baun’s remarkable resurgence not only emphasized his individual talents but also the Eagles’ improved defense under the new coaching formula.
Equally intriguing is the Offensive Rookie of the Year category, showcasing fresh talents making their mark. This class included Jayden Daniels of the Commanders and Malik Nabers of the Giants. The media attention largely pointed to Daniels due to his impressive stats, thrilling fans with his arm and legs as he attributed to significant wins for his team.
The 2025 NFL Honors didn't stop at just mentioning performance statistics; it also highlighted coaching dynamics and team changes as many notable coordinators have shifted positions. For example, with Johnson’s departure from the Lions, he was replaced by Denver Broncos passing game coordinator John Morton, marking the turning of yet another page for Detroit.
Fans of the league should pay close attention to how these honors could influence the next seasons for both players and teams alike. With figures like Barkley and Johnson gaining accolades and attention, it’s likely they will continue to drive discussions about league excellence and expectations as we look forward to Super Bowl 59.
How will the outcomes of these awards set the tone for the future of NFL teams? The impact of performance recognition at the NFL Honors could transcend individual trophies, inspiring teams and players to aim higher when it matters most. Only time will tell how these award-winning professionals shape the future of the league and add to their legacies.