(Photo: Peacock)
1. Most Valuable Player: Matthew Stafford- I still remember when Matthew Stafford broke into the league as the number one overall pick in 2009 with the Detroit Lions. In 2021, he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, won a Super Bowl, and what a stint he has had in Inglewood. I remember that as the season was approaching, there was concern about his back injury. Looking back at the Rams’ season, they don’t go on the winning streak they did without number nine under center. I’ve seen a lot of him over the years, and this is hands down the best season of his career. Matthew threw 28 consecutive touchdown passes without a single interception over an eight-game span. This surpassed Tom Brady’s record of 27 consecutive touchdown passes without an interception, and at one point, Matthew had thrown only two interceptions all season. He finished the year with 46 touchdown passes and just eight picks. Tonight, he will win his first MVP award — well earned and well deserved.
2. Offensive Rookie of the Year: Tet McMillan- He was special in college for the Arizona Wildcats, and the Carolina Panthers decided to draft him and pair him with Bryce Young. Every quarterback has that go-to guy, and Tet emerged as just that for Bryce, becoming a key target on crucial downs throughout the regular season. He was also instrumental in helping turn around the Carolina offense and finished his rookie season with 1,014 receiving yards, a franchise record. I can’t wait to see what he does in year two with a full year of experience under his belt. Tonight, Tet will become the first Panther to win Offensive Rookie of the Year since 2011, when Cam Newton took home the award.
3. Defensive Rookie of the Year: Carson Schwesinger- After Abdul Carter was drafted, many assumed this award was his before he even put on shoulder pads and played a down. This is why we play the games and let things pan out. I know the Cleveland Browns had another losing season and struggled to win games, but their defense showed up all year, and Carson was a major contributing factor. He led all rookies in tackles with 146, including 11 tackles for loss. Carson also recorded 2.5 sacks and two interceptions. In addition, he tied Luke Kuechly with six consecutive games recording double-digit tackles.
4. Offensive Player of the Year: Jaxon Smith-Njigba- One thing about the Ohio State Buckeyes is that they develop wide receivers and send them to the NFL with all the tools needed to succeed. I still remember the 2021 Buckeyes featuring C.J. Stroud, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who benefited from the presence of Chris and Garrett. I can admit I went back and forth on this award, just as I did last season before Saquon Barkley ran away with it. The last time a Seahawk won Offensive Player of the Year was Shaun Alexander in 2005, and tonight, Jaxon will join him. You want to talk about an elite receiver — Jaxon took his game to another level in 2025 and became Sam Darnold’s primary target. He caught 119 passes, a franchise record, and recorded 1,793 receiving yards, the eighth-highest single-season total in NFL history. Jaxon was also responsible for 42 percent of Seattle’s offense and became the number-one receiver after DK Metcalf was traded.
5. Defensive Player of the Year: Myles Garrett- I guess I still have to break this down, even though we’ve known who would win this award for months! When Aaron Donald retired, Myles immediately took the title of the best defensive player in the league and has lived up to it ever since. He was named Defensive MVP for his 2023 season, and just two seasons later, he’s going to win another one. What we are witnessing from him is special. He’s everything to that Cleveland Browns team. Despite the team struggling once again, number 95 was by far the bright spot. When you’re the first part of the game plan every week, you’re special — and Myles is the guy offenses must locate at all times. This year, he broke the single-season sack record, previously held by Michael Strahan, by recording 23 sacks. He should win this unanimously.
6. Coach of the Year: Mike Vrabel- I was high on the New England Patriots entering this season and knew they would be much improved. They won the offseason in my eyes with their signings and also drafted well. One of the biggest moves, however, was hiring Mike Vrabel. This was a Patriots team that won just four games in 2024 and finished last in the AFC East. This year, they completely turned things around, going from worst to first. The Patriots won 14 games and clinched their first division title since 2019. Mike is a phenomenal football mind and a true leader of men, and his impact has been undeniable. I predicted he would win this award before the season started, and tonight, he’ll win it for the second time as a head coach.
7. Comeback Player of the Year: Christian McCaffrey- What a difference being healthy makes, right? When Christian McCaffrey is healthy, he’s a true difference-maker, and his offense is simply better with him on the field. In 2024, CMC missed 13 games due to injury. This season, he returned with a vengeance, leading the league with 413 touches and finishing with 2,126 total yards from scrimmage and 17 total touchdowns. This was a 49ers team devastated by injuries, losing Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and even George Kittle, who tore his Achilles in the Wild Card round. What a season — and tonight, Christian McCaffrey will take home his first Comeback Player of the Year award.
