Matthew Stafford was named AP NFL MVP in a close contest and confirmed his return to the Rams. Other major awards went to Myles Garrett (DPOY), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (OPOY), Mike Vrabel (Coach of the Year), and Christian McCaffrey (Comeback Player of the Year).
Matthew Stafford claimed the AP NFL Most Valuable Player award, narrowly edging Drake Maye in the closest race since 2003. Stafford, who received 24 of 50 first-place votes, also declared his intention to return to the Los Angeles Rams for another season, aiming for a second Super Bowl ring. He accepted the award with his four daughters, expressing gratitude to his team and family. Maye, who received 23 first-place votes, is set to lead the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl against the Seattle Seahawks. Other key award winners announced were: - **AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year:** Myles Garrett, a unanimous choice after setting a season record with 23 sacks, winning his second DPOY award. - **AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year:** Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who led the league with 1,793 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. - **AP NFL Coach of the Year:** New England’s Mike Vrabel, who led the Patriots to a 10-win turnaround and became the seventh coach to win the award with two different teams. - **AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year:** Christian McCaffrey, the first running back in 24 years to win this award, returning from injuries to play every game and accumulate 2,126 yards from scrimmage and 17 touchdowns. - **AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year:** Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger, a second-round pick. - **AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year:** Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who recorded 70 catches for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns. - **AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year:** Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. The awards were decided by a nationwide panel of 50 media members, with voting completed before the playoffs began. Stafford finished with 366 points to Maye’s 361.
