Snoop Dogg is poised to headline the NFL Honors event happening at the Saenger Theater in New Orleans, an occasion dedicated to celebrating the standout performances from the football season. This gala will be a platform for announcing coveted awards, including the Associated Press’ annual honors, the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees.
In what turned out to be a surprising twist, Josh Allen clinched the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title despite finishing second to Lamar Jackson in the All-Pro voting. Allen garnered 27 out of 50 first-place votes for MVP, while Jackson received 23. However, Jackson dominated the All-Pro tally, securing 30 first-place votes to Allen’s 18. This resulted in an unusual scenario where Jackson was selected by some voters for Offensive Player of the Year.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has revised its induction process to make it tougher for players to gain entry. This year, the class was the smallest in two decades, breaking a trend of at least seven inductees for the previous twelve years. Hall of Fame spokesperson Rich Desrosiers indicated that it might be premature to determine whether this approach will continue into 2026.
Arik Armstead of the Jacksonville Jaguars was recognized with the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, which honors an NFL player’s exemplary contributions both on and off the field. This award was first established in 1970 and was named in honor of legendary running back Walter Payton in 1999. Each NFL team submits a nominee who has notably impacted their community.
When comparing the seasons of Allen and Jackson, Allen threw for 3,731 yards and 28 touchdowns while also rushing for 531 yards and achieving 12 touchdown runs. This made him the first player in league history to record at least 40 total touchdowns in five consecutive seasons. Jackson, on the other hand, set career highs, throwing for 4,172 yards, achieving 41 touchdowns with only four interceptions, and earning a passer rating of 119.6—ranked highest in the NFL.
The last time a first-team All-Pro did not win the MVP was in 1987 when John Elway claimed the MVP award while Joe Montana received the All-Pro nod. The MVP title acknowledges an individual’s exceptional season, whereas All-Pro selections are about statistical accomplishments.
The MVP results from 2016 remain the closest in recent history, with Matt Ryan accumulating 25 first-place votes, while Tom Brady trailed with 10 votes. That year marked the last time the MVP winner received under 55% of the first-place votes. Previous close races include Shaun Alexander’s win in 2005, and the co-MVPs Peyton Manning and Steve McNair in 2003.
In his MVP acceptance speech, Allen expressed gratitude to his family and fiancée, Hailee Steinfeld, along with thanking staff members including a mailroom worker affectionately known as “Slick Rick.” His remarks concluded with the encouragement to “be good, do good, God bless, and go Bills.”
Kevin O’Connell was honored as the AP NFL Coach of the Year, receiving a majority of the first-place votes after successfully leading the Minnesota Vikings to a remarkable 14-win season. The Vikings exceeded expectations as they were predicted to finish at the bottom of the NFC North. O’Connell’s team competed for both the division title and the top seed in the conference during the regular season.
Former NFL player Steve Gleason, who has been living with ALS since 2011, made an impactful appearance as a presenter at the NFL Honors. Earlier that day, he organized a fundraising golf scramble for his Team Gleason foundation, focusing on enhancing the lives of ALS patients. Gleason emphasized the importance of living with purpose and helping others.
The Hall of Fame welcomed Antonio Gates, Jared Allen, Eric Allen, and Sterling Sharpe into its ranks, marking the smallest induction class in two decades due to recent changes aimed at tightening the selection process. Notably, two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning did not make the cut this year, which was a disappointment for many fans.
In other award highlights, Jared Verse won the Defensive Rookie of the Year title with overwhelming support, while Joe Burrow took home the Comeback Player of the Year accolade after an impressive season returning from wrist surgery. The NFL Honors also celebrated outstanding achievements from Saquon Barkley, who secured the Offensive Player of the Year award following a remarkable season.
Dan Quinn, Dan Campbell of the Lions, and the coaches of other teams also received recognition for their efforts during the season. As the NFL Honors unfolded, a vibrant red-carpet event showcased players and celebrities, highlighting the celebrations surrounding football and its community contributions. The awards ceremony emerged as a prominent event in the NFL calendar, bringing together stories of triumph both on and off the field.
