Matthew Stafford Edges Drake Maye By One Vote To Win NFL MVP

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by Sam LanierFebruary 6, 2026, 10:06 pm >

On Thursday night at the NFL Honors, Matthew Stafford was named the NFL MVP for the first time in his career. The Los Angeles Rams quarterback narrowly won it over New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.

This was the closest MVP race since 2003, when Peyton Manning and Steve McNair shared the award. Stafford received 24 first-place votes, while Maye received 23. Josh Allen received two first-place votes, as did Justin Herbert, who received one first-place vote.

Stafford, 37, became the third-oldest player to win the prestigious award behind Tom Brady in 2017 and Aaron Rodgers in 2021. Stafford became the oldest player to win his first MVP award in NFL History.

In year 17, Stafford posted a career-high in passing touchdowns with 46 while also throwing for 4,707 passing yards. His counterpart, Maye, posted 36 total touchdowns and 4,394 passing yards while completing 72% of his passes. The argument for Maye was that he simply won more, leading the Patriots to a 14-3 record and an AFC East division title.

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While accepting the award, Stafford brought his four daughters on stage with him and gave a heartwarming speech, one that all Rams fans will love, saying, “You’re unbelievable cheerleaders for me. I appreciate it. 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 ass,” announcing that he will be back for his 18th NFL season.

The camera panned to Rams coach Sean McVay and runningback Kyren Williams, celebrating as their quarterback will return for at least one more season. Stafford and the Rams are hoping not to be at the NFL honors next year and instead be preparing for the Super Bowl, which will be at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.