Matthew Stafford of the LA Rams was awarded the NFL MVP for the 2025 season during the NFL Honors ceremony on Thursday, narrowly defeating New England Patriots’ quarterback Drake Maye. However, Sam Monson stood out as the sole MVP voter to place Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert as his first choice, stirring backlash after he explained his decision publicly on X.
Sam Monson Defends His Justin Herbert MVP Vote Amid Criticism
Monson justified his pick by highlighting Herbert’s performance despite facing the league’s weakest offensive line. He argued that Herbert’s ability to perform “miracles” each game under intense pressure showcased his true value. Monson tweeted,
“I was the Justin Herbert vote. The guy had the worst offensive line in the NFL all season and despite that he was working miracles in almost every single game. Stafford’s OL became 2/5ths as bad as Herbert’s for 5 minutes and he became a turnover howitzer. He embodied ‘value,’”
Monson tweeted on Thursday.
Despite this rationale, fans quickly criticized Monson, questioning the validity and fairness of his vote.
Fan Reactions Condemn Monson’s MVP Ballot Choice
Social media responses showed frustration and disappointment toward Monson’s decision. Many argued that the vote undermined the MVP process, accusing Monson of inconsistency and seeking attention. Comments included:
“Totally embarrassing that you’re allowed to vote,” one user wrote.
“You only voted for him to get attention. You knew what you were doing. Have some shame man. You’re an embarrassment to the NFL community and should never get a vote again,” another fan stated.
“Meanwhile you had 0 issues voting for Lamar Jackson over Josh Allen last year and voted for each of them over Joe Burrow & Patrick Mahomes (who you voted Darnold over). You are an inconsistent hypocrite and should not have a vote,” a third remarked.
“I respect you for coming publicly with your vote. But this might be the worst take of all time,” one fan shared.
Additional comments echoed these sentiments, suggesting Monson’s vote disqualified him from future ballots or even his role in the NFL community.
“You should not have a vote after this. You probably shouldn’t have a job,” one critic said.
“Maye faced the 2nd highest pressure rate amongst full-time starting QBs. You didn’t have to take it this far imo,” pointed out another user.
“Sorry there has always been and always will be rightfully a production baseline for MVP. Save the woke nonsense for the podcast not the ballot,” one fan concluded.
MVP Balloting Details Highlight Close Finish
Stafford secured 24 of the 50 first-place votes, amassing 366 points. Maye was a close runner-up with 23 first-place ballots and 361 points total. Herbert, meanwhile, received only one first-place vote from Monson but remains a focal point of debate given the critical response to that choice.
Matthew Stafford Plans to Continue Playing After MVP Recognition
Following his MVP win at age 37, Stafford revealed his intention to return to the Rams for the upcoming season, signaling his desire to build on this achievement. During his acceptance speech, Stafford addressed his family:
“To my four beautiful daughters who I am lucky enough to be sharing the stage with … I am so happy to have you at the games, on the sideline with me, and I can’t wait for you to cheer me on next year when we’re out there kicking a*s,”
Stafford said.
“And so I’ll see you guys next year. Hopefully, I’m not at this event and we’re getting ready for another game at SoFi.”
Stafford completed the 2025 regular season with a personal best of 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns, throwing only eight interceptions. His leadership helped the Rams reach the NFC Championship Game, where they fell to the Seattle Seahawks.
Debate Over MVP Criteria Continues Among Fans and Analysts
The controversy around Monson’s lone vote for Herbert underscores ongoing debates regarding what defines MVP worthiness. Herbert’s ability to perform under pressure despite a substandard offensive line contrasts with traditional evaluation metrics focused on overall production and team success. Fans remain divided, weighing individual resilience against statistical achievement and team impact.
As the NFL prepares for the next season, discussions about MVP voting consistency and criteria will likely persist, especially with key quarterbacks like Stafford, Maye, Herbert, and others in contention. Supporters of Herbert hope his performance under adversity gains more recognition in future awards, while critics demand a baseline of measurable production for MVP consideration.
LA Chargers fans eagerly await the 2024–25 schedule and depth chart updates, looking forward to seeing if Herbert can convert his potential into greater team success.
I was the Justin Herbert vote.
The guy had the worst offensive line in the NFL all season and despite that he was working miracles in almost every single game.
Stafford's OL became 2/5ths as bad as Herbert's for 5 minutes and he became a turnover howitzer.
He embodied 'value'.
— Sam Monson (@SamMonsonNFL) February 6, 2026
You only voted for him to get attention. You knew what you were doing.
Have some shame man. You’re an embarrassment to the NFL community and should never get a vote again.
— B. (@BaderThfc) February 6, 2026
Meanwhile you had 0 issues voting for Lamar Jackson over Josh Allen last year and voted for each of them over Joe Burrow & Patrick Mahomes (who you voted Darnold over)
You are an inconsistent hypocrite and should not have a vote.
— KP (@TheKPAgenda) February 6, 2026
I respect you for coming publicly with your vote.
But this might be the worst take of all time.
— Brett Alper (@TheRealAlper) February 6, 2026
You should not have a vote after this. You probably shouldn’t have a job.
— Daily Roman Updates (@UpdatingOnRome) February 6, 2026
Maye faced the 2nd highest pressure rate amongst full-time starting QBs. You didn’t have to take it this far imo https://t.co/SXFhiFqGnk
— Nico (@elitetakes_) February 6, 2026
Sorry there has always been and always will be rightfully a production baseline for MVP. Save the woke nonsense for the podcast not the ballot. https://t.co/LxHhMfpSL5
— Pranav Sriraman (@PranavSriraman) February 6, 2026
