Matthew Stafford Wins 2025 NFL MVP: Rams Quarterback Edges Drake Maye in Historic Vote
BERLIN, 06 February 2026 — In one of the most closely contested races in the history of the National Football League, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was officially named the 2025 Associated Press Most Valuable Player on Thursday night. The announcement, made during the 15th annual NFL Honors ceremony, marks the first time the 37-year-old veteran has claimed the league’s highest individual accolade in his 17-season career.
A Razor-Thin Victory at the 2026 NFL Honors
The voting results revealed a margin of victory not seen in over two decades. Stafford finished with 366 total points, narrowly defeating New England Patriots breakout star Drake Maye, who finished with 361 points. The five-point gap represents the closest MVP race since 2003, when Peyton Manning and Steve McNair famously shared the award as co-MVPs.
Stafford secured 24 of the 50 available first-place votes, while Maye garnered 23. Despite Maye leading the Patriots to a Super Bowl LX appearance later this week, Stafford’s prolific regular-season statistics proved too significant for the voting panel to overlook.
Statistical Dominance in the 2025 Season
Stafford’s MVP campaign was built on a foundation of elite volume and efficiency. At age 37, the veteran quarterback led the NFL in several major passing categories, proving that his arm talent remains amongst the league’s elite. His 46 touchdown passes marked a career-high, surpassing his previous best set during the Rams’ 2021 championship season.
Key 2025 Regular Season Statistics
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 4,707 |
| Passing Touchdowns | 46 |
| Interceptions | 11 |
| Games Played | 17 |
“I’ll Be Back”: Stafford Silences Retirement Rumours
Speculation regarding Stafford’s future has been a recurring theme throughout the 2025 season. However, during his acceptance speech at the NFL Honors, the newly crowned MVP provided a definitive answer to the Los Angeles faithful. Stafford concluded his remarks by confirming he will return to the Rams for the 2026 season.
Stafford is currently under contract for the 2026 season with a scheduled compensation of approximately $40 million. His decision to return ensures the Rams remain immediate contenders in the NFC, especially following a season where Stafford climbed to sixth all-time in career passing yards, currently sitting at 64,516.
A Hall of Fame Resume
With the addition of the 2025 MVP trophy, Stafford has effectively solidified his case for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Already a Super Bowl champion and the fastest player in NFL history to reach both 40,000 and 50,000 passing yards, the MVP award was the final major milestone missing from his professional CV.
Matthew Stafford Career Achievements
- NFL Most Valuable Player: 2025
- Super Bowl Champion: LVI
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year: 2011
- Pro Bowl Selections: 3
- All-Pro Selections: 1
- PFWA MVP: 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who did Matthew Stafford beat for the 2025 MVP?
Stafford narrowly defeated New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. Other finalists included Josh Allen and Trevor Lawrence.
How many MVP awards has Matthew Stafford won?
The 2025 award is the first NFL MVP of Matthew Stafford’s career. He won the award in his 17th professional season.
Is Matthew Stafford retiring after winning the MVP?
No. During his acceptance speech on 5 February 2026, Stafford officially announced that he will return to play for the Los Angeles Rams next season.
What were Stafford’s stats in his MVP year?
Stafford threw for 4,707 yards and a career-best 46 touchdowns, with only 11 interceptions over the 17-game regular season.