Rams QB Matthew Stafford beats out Drake Maye to win his first NFL MVP award in close vote, announces he's returning next season

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has won his first NFL MVP award, narrowly defeating Patriots quarterback Drake Maye by a single vote. This victory was announced during the NFL Honors ceremony, which took place in San Francisco. Stafford's achievement marks a significant milestone in his career, as he has now secured the league's most prestigious individual accolade. Following this accomplishment, Stafford confirmed that he will be returning for the next season. The voting results for the MVP award were closely contested, highlighting the competitive nature of the league this season. Stafford's performance throughout the year evidently resonated with voters, allowing him to edge out Maye in what was described as a tight race. The announcement of the MVP award was a key highlight of the NFL Honors event, which also included the unveiling of the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. In addition to Stafford's MVP win, the 2026 Hall of Fame class was revealed during the same ceremony. Notable inductees include Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald, among others. The event celebrated various achievements within the league, showcasing both current players and legends of the game. Overall, the NFL Honors ceremony served as a platform to recognize outstanding performances in the league, with Stafford's MVP award being a focal point of the evening. His commitment to return next season adds further excitement for Rams fans and the NFL community as a whole.