In one of the most emotional and unexpected moments in recent NFL history, Matthew Stafford has been named the Associated Press (AP) NFL Most Valuable Player for the 2026 season.
The Los Angeles Rams quarterback received the award during the NFL Honors 2026 ceremony, held just days before Super Bowl LX. At 38 years old, Stafford capped off a remarkable comeback season that redefined the final chapter of his career.
Why Matthew Stafford Won the MVP Award
Stafford’s MVP case was built on elite production, leadership, and clutch performances throughout the 2025–26 season.
After a slow 2–5 start, the Rams surged late in the year, finishing as NFC West champions and securing the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Stafford was the clear driving force behind that turnaround.
Year 17. MVP. Matthew Stafford.
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) February 6, 2026
📺 NFL Honors on NBC pic.twitter.com/jO6Ho1OSqU
He led the league in passing yards and ranked among the top quarterbacks in efficiency, decision-making, and late-game execution.
Matthew Stafford – 2025-26 Regular Season Stats
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 5,112 (NFL-best) |
| Passing TDs | 42 |
| Interceptions | 8 |
| Completion Rate | 68.9% |
| Game-Winning Drives | 14 |
| 4th Quarter QB Rating | 118.7 |
These numbers, combined with team success, pushed Stafford ahead of other elite contenders.
MVP Voting Breakdown
The AP NFL MVP award is decided by a panel of 50 national media members.
| Player | First-Place Votes |
|---|---|
| Matthew Stafford | 28 |
| Lamar Jackson | 14 |
| Josh Allen | 8 |
Stafford secured a clear majority, ending the race decisively.
Historic Achievement at Age 38
With this honor, Stafford became only the fourth quarterback in NFL history to win MVP at age 38 or older, joining a legendary group that includes:
- Tom Brady
- Peyton Manning
- Aaron Rodgers
Given his injury struggles over the past few seasons, the award carries even more significance.
Full List of Major NFL Honors 2026 Winners
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| AP NFL MVP | Matthew Stafford (Rams) |
| Offensive Player of the Year | Justin Jefferson (Vikings) |
| Defensive Player of the Year | Myles Garrett (Browns) |
| Offensive Rookie of the Year | OJ Ongbaw (Titans) |
| Defensive Rookie of the Year | Jared Verse (Patriots) |
| Comeback Player of the Year | Matthew Stafford (Rams) |
| Coach of the Year | Sean McVay (Rams) |
| FedEx Air Player of the Year | Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs) |
| FedEx Ground Player of the Year | Saquon Barkley (Eagles) |
The Rams dominated the night, reflecting one of the league’s most impressive season turnarounds.
Stafford’s Reaction at NFL Honors
While accepting the award, Stafford delivered an emotional message focused on resilience and belief.
He credited his family, coaching staff, and teammates for standing by him through injuries and doubts, calling the moment “the most meaningful achievement” of his career.
The speech received a standing ovation inside the venue.
With the MVP trophy secured, attention now shifts to Super Bowl LX, where the Rams aim to complete their storybook season.
If Stafford leads Los Angeles to a championship, the 2026 campaign could go down as one of the greatest late-career runs in NFL history.
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