The 2025 NFL Honors took center stage at the Saenger Theater in New Orleans, with legendary rapper Snoop Dogg hosting the prestigious event. The ceremony celebrated the season’s standout players, coaches, and moments while sparking intense debates among fans over the MVP award.
Josh Allen Wins First MVP Amid Controversy
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen secured his first NFL MVP award after leading his team to a stellar 13-4 record. He topped the league in QBR (77.3), threw 28 touchdowns, and added 12 rushing scores while minimizing turnovers.
However, not all fans were satisfied. Many believed Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson deserved the honor. Jackson finished with 4,172 passing yards, 915 rushing yards, and 41 total touchdowns, coming just 21 points shy in the voting.
Saquon Barkley Named Offensive Player of the Year
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley dominated the Offensive Player of the Year race, thanks to a historic season. He rushed for 2,005 yards, the eighth-most in NFL history, and propelled the Eagles into the playoffs.
Barkley was within striking distance of breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record but opted to sit out the final regular-season game. Now, he needs just 30 yards in the Super Bowl to set the all-time record for combined regular-season and postseason rushing yards.
Voting Breakdown:
- Saquon Barkley: 35 first-place votes
- Lamar Jackson: 12 first-place votes
- Derrick Henry, Joe Burrow, Josh Allen: 1 first-place vote each
Patrick Surtain II Claims Defensive Player of the Year
Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II became only the seventh cornerback to win Defensive Player of the Year. His dominant season featured 37 receptions allowed, 4 interceptions, and a 61.1 passer rating against him.
Joe Burrow’s Comeback Season Earns Him CPOY Honors
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow secured Comeback Player of the Year after an impressive return from wrist surgery in 2023. He led the league with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns, guiding the Bengals to a 9-8 finish despite early struggles.
Burrow received 31 of 50 first-place votes, finishing ahead of J.K. Dobbins (3 votes) and Sam Darnold (8 votes).
Jayden Daniels Runs Away with Offensive Rookie of the Year
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels dominated the Offensive Rookie of the Year voting, securing 49 of 50 first-place votes. He threw for 3,568 yards, rushed for 891 yards, and led the Commanders to 12 wins. His standout moment? A game-winning Hail Mary against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The lone dissenting vote went to Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, courtesy of Sam Monson from The 33rd Team.
Jared Verse Headlines Defensive Rookie of the Year Voting
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jared Verse had no competition for Defensive Rookie of the Year. He posted 4.5 sacks, 77 pressures, and 11 tackles for loss, earning 37 first-place votes.
Voting Breakdown:
- Jared Verse: 37 first-place votes
- Quinyon Mitchell (Philadelphia Eagles CB): 9 first-place votes
- Braden Fiske (Rams DT): 1 first-place vote
- Others: 3 scattered first-place votes
Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Announced
The NFL Honors also revealed the latest Hall of Fame inductees:
- Jared Allen (Defensive End)
- Eric Allen (Cornerback)
- Antonio Gates (Tight End)
- Sterling Sharpe (Wide Receiver)
Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award Goes to Arik Armstead
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead was honored with the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award for his leadership and extensive community work.
Complete List of NFL Honors Award Winners
AP Most Valuable Player: Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)
AP Offensive Player of the Year: Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles)
AP Defensive Player of the Year: Patrick Surtain II (Denver Broncos)
AP Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders)
AP Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jared Verse (Los Angeles Rams)
AP Comeback Player of the Year: Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)
AP Coach of the Year: Kevin O’Connell (Minnesota Vikings)
Walter Payton Man of the Year: Arik Armstead (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Moment of the Year: Jayden Daniels' game-winning Hail Mary TD to Noah Brown
Jim Brown Rushing Leader Award: Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles)
Deacon Jones Award: Trey Hendrickson (Cincinnati Bengals)
Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award: Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)
Salute to Service Award: George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers)
Air & Ground Players of the Year: Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills) – Air Player, Ja’Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals) – Ground Player
Assistant Coach of the Year: Ben Johnson (Former Detroit Lions OC, now Chicago Bears HC)
With the NFL Honors wrapped up, all eyes turn to Super Bowl 59, where the Kansas City Chiefs will battle the Philadelphia Eagles for the ultimate prize. Buckle up—it’s going to be a thrilling Sunday!
ADVERTISEMENT