Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford earned the AP NFL MVP award at the 2026 NFL Honors ceremony held Thursday at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. Stafford was chosen over other finalists including New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, and San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey.
This marks Stafford’s first MVP recognition, achieved in his age-37 season. Now in his 17th year in the NFL, he led the Rams to a 12-5 record and an appearance in the NFC Championship Game, showcasing his continued elite performance.
Overcoming Doubts to Deliver a Stellar Season
Entering the season, Stafford faced speculation regarding his future due to retirement rumors and a persistent back injury that overshadowed much of the offseason. Defying concerns, he played in all 17 games, putting together arguably the finest campaign of his career. Stafford amassed 4,707 passing yards, topping the league for the first time, while throwing a league-high 46 touchdown passes contrasted with just eight interceptions. His completion rate stood at 65%, further underscoring his efficiency.
Additionally, Stafford earned his first AP First-Team All-Pro honor, solidifying his status among the NFL’s elite.
Coach McVay Praises Stafford’s Exceptional Talent and Leadership
Rams head coach Sean McVay expressed profound admiration for Stafford, emphasizing their strong personal and professional bond. McVay commented,
“I feel really fortunate for the friendship and the relationship that we’ve developed and I’m sure hopeful that Thursday when we’re there to support him, that gets recognized. Like I’ve said before, this is such a challenging game. I know I’m biased, but I can remove my bias and say I think he was the best player in the NFL this year. I think there are a lot of people that will agree. I’m hopeful Thursday will represent that as well.”
His remarks reflect Stafford’s impact not only as a high-caliber athlete but also as a leader on and off the field.
Rams’ Plans and Stafford’s Future After MVP Triumph
Stafford turns 38 in two days yet remains at the peak of his abilities. The Los Angeles Rams are eager to retain him for the 2026 season, confident that he can continue driving the team toward Super Bowl contention. The organization respects Stafford’s process and intends to allow him the time needed to consider his next steps carefully.
When asked about Stafford’s potential return, McVay stated,
“If that’s something that he wants to do, the answer is absolutely yes,”
adding,
“I think what’s great is he’s gonna take his time with [his wife] Kelly and the girls and see what’s best, but man, is he still playing at an incredible level.”
McVay further underscored the team’s respect for Stafford’s timeline:
“Our hope is that he does [return], but with respect to his timetable and ability to be able to communicate with you guys whenever he feels ready to make that announcement, we’ll let him be able to do that.”
The Broader Context of Stafford’s Achievement
Matthew Stafford’s MVP win at 37 solidifies his reputation as one of the most resilient and productive quarterbacks in the NFL. His success stands out especially given the physical demands of his position and the speculation on his longevity. Alongside key figures like coach Sean McVay and competition including Drake Maye and Josh Allen, Stafford’s award serves as a testament to his dedication and talent.
As Stafford weighs his future, the Rams and their fans eagerly anticipate whether he will continue his remarkable run. His leadership, skill, and health will be critical factors in the team’s goals for the upcoming season and beyond.
