Matthew Stafford, quarterback of the Los Angeles Rams, was recognized Thursday as the NFL‘s Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the season.
“I feel very honored to be here. Many thanks to my teammates and coach. This team is very special, I am very fortunate; thanks to all my teammates who made this possible, to my wife and to everyone who trusted,” said the passer, who received his trophy accompanied by his four daughters.
Stafford wins MVP, Vrabel is Coach of the Year
Matthew Stafford, who earned his first career MVP, was recognized at the NFL Honors ceremony honoring the best of the NFL season leading up to Super Bowl LX.
While Mike Vrabel, coach of the New England Patriots, who in his first season led the ‘Pats to the Super Bowl, was recognized as Coach of the Year.
He thanked him from the training camp of his team, which will play for the NFL title on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
“My name is on this award, but it belongs to my players, the coaching staff and the men in the locker room who believed and committed when it wasn’t easy,” Vrabel said.
Garrett, Smith-Njigba and McCaffrey shine at NFL Honors
One of the biggest cheers of the event went to Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett.
This season he set a record for catches, with 23, and was selected as Defensive Player of the Year.
“I’m thankful for each of my team members who helped me get this, without them it wouldn’t have been possible,” Garrett said upon receiving his trophy.
The Offensive Player of the Year award went to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks.
The league’s best at his position with 119 receptions for 1,793 yards that helped his team be in Super Bowl LX over the weekend.
The Comeback Player of the Season award went to Christian McCaffrey, running back for the San Francisco 49ers.
He recovered from a posterior cruciate ligament injury to push his team into the playoffs this season.
Rookies, leadership and legends shine
In the rest of the categories, Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers wide receiver, won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger was the Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Josh McDaniels, offensive coordinator for the Patriots, was recognized as Assistant Coach of the Year.
In one of the most emotional moments, Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner was presented with the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
Given to the player who shows outstanding service to the community and excellence in the game.
I feel very honored to be here
Matthew Stafford
The ceremony also unveiled the five new Hall of Fame inductees.
The list was topped by Adam Vinatieri, the NFL’s all-time leader in points scored with 2,673 and holder of four championship rings.
It was rounded out by Roger Craig, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the San Francisco 49ers, and Drew Brees, former quarterback of the New Orleans Saints.
In addition to Luke Kuechly, former Carolina Panthers star and now the second youngest to enter the Hall of Immortals at age 35, and Arizona Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald.
With information from EFE
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