Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford capped off a career-defining season by winning the 2025 NFL Most Valuable Player award at Thursday night's 2026 NFL Honors ceremony, then immediately sent shockwaves through the football world by announcing he will return to play for the Rams in the 2026 season. The 37-year-old veteran edged New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye in the closest MVP vote since 2003, receiving 24 first-place votes to Maye's 23 and winning by a mere five points in the overall tally.
How the Closest MVP Race in 23 Years Unfolded
The 2025 NFL MVP race will be remembered as one of the most competitive in league history, with Stafford and Maye trading blows statistically throughout the season before the final vote came down to the narrowest of margins. Stafford received 366 total points in the voting system, while Maye finished with 361 points—the smallest gap since 2003 when Peyton Manning and Steve McNair finished in a tie. The razor-thin margin reflected the exceptional seasons both quarterbacks delivered, with Stafford leading the league in passing yards (4,707) and touchdowns (46), while Maye's Patriots finished with the best record in the AFC behind his 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns.
"You're unbelievable cheerleaders for me," Stafford told the audience during his emotional acceptance speech, before dropping the bombshell that would dominate headlines: "So I'll see you guys next year." The announcement ended months of speculation about Stafford's future, as the 37-year-old had been contemplating retirement after 17 NFL seasons. His decision to return gives the Rams immediate stability at the quarterback position and makes them instant contenders in the NFC for the 2026 season.
Timeline: From Career Resurrection to MVP Glory
Matthew Stafford's journey to this MVP award represents one of the most remarkable career resurrections in recent NFL history. After spending his first 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions without a single playoff victory, Stafford was traded to the Rams in 2021 and immediately led them to a Super Bowl LVI championship in his first season in Los Angeles. However, the following years brought injuries and questions about whether his best football was behind him. The 2025 season silenced all doubters as Stafford put together the most efficient campaign of his career, completing 68.2% of his passes while throwing only 8 interceptions.
The road to this MVP award featured several key moments: a Week 3 comeback victory against the San Francisco 49ers where Stafford threw for 4 touchdowns, a Week 10 overtime thriller against the Kansas City Chiefs that featured a game-winning 75-yard touchdown pass, and a Week 16 performance against the Seattle Seahawks where he threw for 5 touchdowns to clinch the NFC West division. Meanwhile, Drake Maye was writing his own story in New England, leading the Patriots to a 13-4 record in just his second NFL season and establishing himself as the league's next superstar quarterback.
Why This MVP Decision Matters Beyond the Trophy
The significance of Stafford's MVP victory extends far beyond individual recognition. At 37 years old, he becomes the oldest quarterback to win his first MVP award, breaking the previous record held by Rich Gannon who was 34 when he won in 2002. This achievement validates Stafford's decision to continue playing at an elite level into his late 30s and provides a blueprint for other veteran quarterbacks about maintaining excellence through proper training and scheme adaptation.
For the Rams organization, Stafford's return announcement is perhaps even more important than the MVP award itself. With salary cap constraints and an aging roster, the Rams faced potential rebuilding if Stafford had retired. His commitment to 2026 allows the team to remain competitive while they develop young talent and manage their financial situation. "This isn't just about next year," Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters after the announcement. "This is about Matthew showing everyone what's possible when you combine talent with relentless work ethic."
The narrow margin of victory also highlights the changing landscape of NFL quarterback evaluation. Maye's exceptional season at just 24 years old signals a passing of the torch to the next generation, while Stafford's triumph proves that experience and veteran savvy still hold tremendous value. Analytics versus traditional metrics, youth versus experience—this MVP race encapsulated the central debates of modern football evaluation.
Where Things Stand Now: Full 2026 NFL Honors Results
While Stafford's MVP dominated headlines, the 2026 NFL Honors ceremony recognized excellence across the league. Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett won his second Defensive Player of the Year award after recording 18.5 sacks and 28 tackles for loss. San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey took home Offensive Player of the Year honors after leading the NFL with 1,847 rushing yards and 23 total touchdowns.
In the coaching awards, New England's Mike Vrabel earned Coach of the Year recognition for guiding the Patriots to the AFC's best record despite having the league's youngest roster. Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba won Offensive Rookie of the Year after catching 94 passes for 1,203 yards, while Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jalen Carter captured Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. The Walter Payton Man of the Year award went to Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner for his extensive community service work.
What Happens Next: The Road Ahead for Stafford and the NFL
With his return confirmed, Stafford immediately becomes the central figure in the 2026 NFL season narrative. The Rams will need to address several roster issues, including rebuilding their offensive line and adding defensive depth, but they now have the quarterback stability that most teams crave. Early betting lines already project the Rams as NFC West favorites and legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
For Drake Maye and the Patriots, the narrow MVP loss provides powerful motivation for the coming season. "This just makes me hungrier," Maye told reporters after the ceremony. "Congratulations to Matthew—he earned it—but we're coming back stronger next year." The Patriots have approximately $50 million in cap space and are expected to be aggressive in free agency to build around their young quarterback.
The 2026 season also marks a potential turning point for quarterback aging curves across the NFL. Stafford's success at 37, combined with Tom Brady's precedent-setting longevity, is changing how teams view quarterback careers. "We used to think 35 was the cliff for quarterbacks," said NFL analyst Chris Collinsworth. "Now we're seeing that with modern training and sports science, elite quarterbacks can play at an MVP level into their late 30s. This changes roster construction for every team in the league."
The Bottom Line: Key Points to Remember
Matthew Stafford's 2025 MVP season and subsequent return announcement represent one of the most significant stories of the NFL offseason. The closest MVP vote in 23 years underscores the incredible seasons both Stafford and Drake Maye delivered, while Stafford's decision to continue playing gives the Rams immediate stability and championship hopes. At 37 years old, Stafford has rewritten the narrative about quarterback longevity and proven that veteran experience combined with elite talent can still dominate in today's NFL. As the league looks ahead to the 2026 season, Stafford's MVP victory serves as both a celebration of past achievement and a promise of more excitement to come.
