Snoop Dogg will headline the NFL Honors ceremony at the Saenger Theater in New Orleans, celebrating the standout achievements from the NFL season.
This event includes the announcement of The Associated Press’ annual accolades, such as the esteemed Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award and the induction class for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
One of the major talking points of the evening is Josh Allen’s surprising victory in the MVP race over Lamar Jackson. Despite Jackson finishing first in the All-Pro voting with 30 first-place votes, Allen managed to clinch the MVP title by securing 27 first-place votes to Jackson’s 22.
A mix of voters favored Jackson for Offensive Player of the Year while giving Allen the top MVP honors, leading to a rare flip in the traditional voting dynamics.
Additionally, the Hall of Fame has implemented changes making it more challenging for players to be inducted. This year’s class is the smallest in two decades, a significant shift after over a decade with at least seven inductees annually.
While the Hall’s spokesman did not reveal plans for the selection process in 2026, he acknowledged that one year may not suffice for proper assessment.
Recognized for his community efforts, Arik Armstead from the Jaguars was awarded the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. This award honors players making a positive impact both on and off the field, established in 1970 and named after the legendary running back in 1999.
When examining the numbers, Allen registered impressive stats, throwing for 3,731 yards with 28 touchdowns against six interceptions and posting a passer rating of 101.4. He also added 531 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, becoming the first NFL player to achieve five consecutive seasons with over 40 total touchdowns.
Conversely, Jackson set personal bests with 4,172 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and only four interceptions, earning a passer rating that topped the league.
The last time a first-team All-Pro was not awarded the MVP was in 1987, highlighting the rarity of Allen’s situation. The MVP goes to the player deemed most valuable, while the All-Pro accolades are more statistically oriented.
The contest for MVP has seen its closest results since 2016, when Matt Ryan garnered a slim margin over Tom Brady. Notably, the new voting trends leading to Allen’s victory provide an intriguing narrative for future seasons.
In his acceptance speech, Allen expressed gratitude to his family, his fiancée Hailee Steinfeld, and the Bills’ staff, playfully recognizing a mailroom employee affectionately known as “Slick Rick.” His motto was simple yet profound: “Be good, do good, God bless, and go Bills.”
Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings garnered nearly half of the first-place votes for Coach of the Year, leading his team to 14 wins. The Vikings surprised many by competing for the division title, despite being expected to finish last.
O’Connell received a significant 24 first-place votes, solidifying his status ahead of Detroit’s Dan Campbell, who led his team to a record-breaking 15 wins.
Former NFL player Steve Gleason, an advocate for ALS awareness, presented the awards after hosting a fundraiser earlier in the day. Gleason, diagnosed with ALS in 2011, has used his platform to champion those affected by the disease, showcasing an inspiring spirit throughout the event.
In a historic year, the Pro Football Hall of Fame welcomed Antonio Gates, Jared Allen, Eric Allen, and Sterling Sharpe among its newest inductees. Meanwhile, Eli Manning narrowly missed induction, unable to join his brother, Peyton Manning, in this prestigious group this time around.
Jared Verse claimed the Defensive Rookie of the Year award convincingly, demonstrating remarkable performance metrics among rookies. His achievement reflects the growing talent pool in the league.
Joe Burrow also distinguished himself as the Comeback Player of the Year after leading the NFL in passing yards post-injury recovery, showcasing resilience and talent in his return to the field.
The awards ceremony will also recognize top performers in various categories, including Coach of the Year, Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year, and Rookie awards, crafting an exciting narrative around the NFL’s evolving talent landscape.
Jayden Daniels, the Commanders quarterback, received the Offensive Rookie of the Year honor, illustrating significant promise for his future in the league alongside a strong overall team performance.
As the awards night unfolds, players, coaches, and fans alike prepare for an unforgettable celebration of talent and achievement in the NFL this past season.
