AP —
Matthew Stafford edged Drake Maye for the AP NFL Most Valuable Player award on Thursday night in the closest race since Peyton Manning and Steve McNair were co-winners in 2003.
Stafford received 24 of 50 first-place votes while Maye got 23. But Maye has a chance to go home this week with a Vince Lombardi Trophy. He leads the New England Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl on Sunday.
Stafford brought his four daughters — all dressed in identical black-and-white dresses — to the stage to accept the MVP award.
THAT’S, MVP MATTHEW STAFFORD, TO YOU! pic.twitter.com/l8c0ONDJht — Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) February 6, 2026
Stafford thanked his team and saved his wife and daughters for last: “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 (butt).”
It was Stafford’s way of announcing he will be back next season after contemplating retirement.
Myles Garrett was a unanimous choice for the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award after setting a season record for sacks with 23.
All-Pro wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba beat out Chri
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