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Each year, the NFL reveals its award recipients during the NFL Honors ceremony. In addition to the individual player awards, the 2026 class of the NFL Hall of Fame will also be unveiled.
Though the MVP race isn’t as contentious as last year’s Lamar Jackson vs. Josh Allen showdown, it remains a challenging choice. The expectation is that this will come down to Matthew Stafford and Drake Maye, who are at drastically different points in their careers.
Among the eight primary awards, no definitive frontrunner emerges. The finalists for these honors were announced on January 22, and their names are listed below. The New England Patriots have the most potential winners, with six, followed by the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers with four.
The Sporting News has live updates from the NFL Honors 2026, including all the winners of the night.
MORE: Watch the 2026 NFL Honors on NBC with Peacock
NFL Honors 2026 award winnersMost Valuable Player:
Finalists:
Matthew Stafford, QB, RamsDrake Maye, QB, PatriotsJosh Allen, QB, BillsTrevor Lawrence, QB, JaguarsChristian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers
MORE SN NFL AWARDS: Full list of 2025 winners | SN’s NFL awards Archive
Offensive Player of the Year:
Finalists:
Drake Maye, QB, PatriotsChristian McCaffrey, RB, 49ersBijan Robinson, RB, FalconsPuka Nacua, WR, RamsJaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seahawks
MORE: Why Jaxon Smith-Njigba won 2025 Sporting News OPOY over Drake Maye
Defensive Player of the Year: Myles Garrett, DE, BrownsPlayer1st place2nd place3rd placePointsMyles Garrett50—-500Will Anderson Jr0—-117Nik Bonitto0—-63Aidan Hutchinson0—-52Micah Parsons0—-42
the crown jewel on a historic season 👑
Myles Garrett is your Defensive Player of the Year! pic.twitter.com/SQaT626SOE
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) February 6, 2026
Finalists:
Will Anderson Jr., DE, Texans Nik Bonitto, LB, Broncos Myles Garrett, DE, BrownsAidan Hutchinson, DE, LionsMicah Parsons, DE, Packers Offensive Rookie of the Year: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, PanthersPlayer1st place2nd place3rd placePointsTetairoa McMillan41—-445Tyler Shough5—-168TreVeyon Henderson1—-111Jaxson Dart1—-88Emeka Egbula0—-66
Worked 4 this
Learn more:https://t.co/PKromJ2r3e pic.twitter.com/c76K1WIb2f
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) February 6, 2026
Finalists:
Jaxson Dart, QB, GiantsEmeka Egbuka, WR, BuccaneersTreVeyon Henderson, RB, PatriotsTetairoa McMillan, WR, PanthersTyler Shough, QB, SaintsDefensive Rookie of the Year:
Finalists:
Abdul Carter, LB, GiantsNick Emmanwori, DB, SeahawksJames Pearce Jr., DE, FalconsCarson Schwesinger, LB, BrownsXavier Watts, S, FalconsComeback Player of the Year: Christian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers
Player1st place2nd place3rd placePointsChristian McCaffrey31—-395Aidan Hutchinson9—-221Dak Prescott6—-167Trevor Lawrence2—-130Stefon Diggs0—-40
Through it all, he paved his way. pic.twitter.com/zxuMomIO6X
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) February 6, 2026
Finalists:
Stefon Diggs, WR, PatriotsAidan Hutchinson, DE, LionsTrevor Lawrence, QB, JaguarsChristian McCaffrey, RB, 49ersDak Prescott, QB, Cowboys
MORE: Complete Sporting News’ NFL All-Pro team for 2025
Coach of the Year: Mike Vrabel, Patriots
COACH. OF. THE. YEAR. MIKE. VRABEL. pic.twitter.com/02yuDnTVTf
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 6, 2026
Finalists:
Liam Coen, JaguarsBen Johnson, BearsMike Macdonald, SeahawksKyle Shanahan, 49ersMike Vrabel, PatriotsAssistant Coach of the Year:
Winner:
Josh McDaniels, Patriots (OC)
Finalists:
Vic Fangio, Eagles (DC)Brian Flores, Vikings (DC)Vance Joseph, Broncos (DC)Klint Kubiak, Seahawks (OC)Josh McDaniels, Patriots (OC)
MORE: Why Mike Vrabel won Sporting News’ 2025 COTY over Kyle Shanahan
Walter Payton Man of the Year:
Finalists:
Kelvin Beachum, Arizona CardinalsA.J. Terrell Jr., Atlanta FalconsDerrick Henry, Baltimore RavensDion Dawkins, Buffalo BillsAustin Corbett, Carolina PanthersDJ Moore, Chicago BearsTed Karras, Cincinnati BengalsGrant Delpit, Cleveland BrownsSolomon Thomas, Dallas CowboysGarett Bolles, Denver BroncosDJ Reader, Detroit LionsJordan Love, Green Bay PackersAzeez Al-Shaair, Houston TexansKenny Moore II, Indianapolis ColtsLogan Cooke, Jacksonville JaguarsTravis Kelce, Kansas City ChiefsMaxx Crosby, Las Vegas RaidersCameron Dicker, Los Angeles ChargersKyren Williams, Los Angeles RamsBradley Chubb, Miami Dolphins C.J. Ham, Minnesota VikingsHunter Henry, New England PatriotsDemario Davis, New Orleans SaintsBobby Okereke, New York Giants Quincy Williams, New York JetsJordan Mailata, Philadelphia EaglesAlex Highsmith, Pittsburgh SteelersCurtis Robin, San Francisco 49ersJulian Love, Seattle SeahawksBaker Mayfield, Tampa Bay BuccaneersJeffery Simmons, Tennessee TitansBobby Wagner, Washington CommandersProtector of the Year: Joe Thuney, G, Bears
For the first time ever: The 2025 Protector of the Year is Chicago Bears G Joe Thuney. pic.twitter.com/LeIUCXJJ4D
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 6, 2026
Finalists:
Joe Thuney, G, BearsGarett Bolles, OT, BroncosCreed Humphrey, C, ChiefsQuinn Meinerz, G, BroncosPenei Sewell, OT, LionsFedEx Air & Ground Player of the Year:
Finalists:
Matthew Stafford, QB, RamsDrake Maye, QB, PatriotsJosh Allen, QB, BillsChristian McCaffrey, RB, 49ersBijan Robinson, RB, FalconsPuka Nacua, WR, RamsJaxson Smith-Njigba, WR, SeahawksJonathan Taylor, RB, ColtsTrey McBride, TE, CardinalsSalute to Service Award:
Finalists:
Aaron Jones Sr., RB, VikingsChristian McCaffrey, RB, 49ersJake Ferguson, TE, CowboysArt Rooney Sportsmanship Award: Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals
Finalists:
Budda Baker, Arizona CardinalsKaden Elliss, Atlanta FalconsKyle Van Noy, Baltimore RavensJosh Allen, Buffalo BillsDerrick Brown, Carolina PanthersDrew Dalman, Chicago BearsChase Brown, Cincinnati BengalsJoel Bitonio, Cleveland BrownsDak Prescott, Dallas CowboysTalanoa Hufanga, Denver BroncosDerrick Barnes, Detroit LionsJordan Love, Green Bay PackersNico Collins, Houston TexansDeForest Buckner, Indianapolis ColtsTravis Etienne, Jacksonville JaguarsTrent McDuffie, Kansas City ChiefsBrock Bowers, Las Vegas RaidersKhalil Mack, Los Angeles ChargersMatthew Stafford, Los Angeles RamsZach Sieler, Miami Dolphins Brian O’Neill, Minnesota VikingsMarcus Jones, New England PatriotsDemario Davis, New Orleans SaintsWan’Dale Robinson, New York Giants Harrison Phillips, New York JetsZack Baun, Philadelphia EaglesPat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh SteelersKyle Juszczyk, San Francisco 49ersCharles Cross, Seattle SeahawksLavonte David, Tampa Bay BuccaneersPeter Skoronski, Tennessee TitansTress Way, Washington CommandersDeacon Jones Sack Leader Award: Myles Garrett, DE, Browns
This award is given to the player who leads the NFL in sacks during the regular season. Garrett had 23 sacks; the next closest was Brian Burns with 16.5.
The Jim Brown Award: James Cook III, RB, Bills
This award is given to the player who leads the NFL in rushing yards during the regular season. Cook had 23 1,621 rushing yards; the next closest was Derrick Henry with 1,595.
Next Gen Stats Moment of the Year: Caleb Williams OT dagger to DJ Moore against the Packers
Finalists:
Caleb Williams OT dagger to DJ Moore against the PackersEagles blocked FG against the RamsJameis Winston trick playNFL Fan of the Year:
Finalists:
Kenny Salinas, Arizona CardinalsCharlie McAdoo, Atlanta FalconsEric Ceelen, Baltimore RavensTherese Forton-Barnes, Buffalo BillsLawrence Wilkinson, Carolina PanthersJohnathan Otten, Chicago BearsSteve Thompson, Cincinnati BengalsKyle Kovach, Cleveland BrownsTom Gipson, Dallas CowboysKevin Nunn & Sue Nunn, Denver BroncosKyla Wright & Ninotchka Jackson-Wright, Detroit LionsAshley Christensen, Green Bay PackersSebastian Cruz, Houston TexansAllison Balay, Indianapolis ColtsAmanda Harper, Jacksonville JaguarsYvette Richards, Kansas City ChiefsJeffrey Catterson, Las Vegas RaidersLawrence Branton, Los Angeles ChargersDa’Mon Jackson, Los Angeles RamsThomas Dubinski & Lydia Dubinski, Miami Dolphins Leanne Adkins, Minnesota VikingsScott Richman, New England PatriotsAngela Austin, New Orleans SaintsJames Smolenski & Rosie Smolenski, New York Giants Maria Francisco, New York JetsEdward Callahan, Philadelphia EaglesHayden Shock, Pittsburgh SteelersDonna Bettencourt, San Francisco 49ersElise Robinson, Seattle SeahawksJoseph Parrino & JoAnn Parrino, Tampa Bay BuccaneersFrancina “Kaye” Jernigan, Tennessee TitansStephen Boyd, Washington CommandersNFL Latino Youth Honors:
Finalists:
Atiana González Edward Jordan IV.Jasen LopezOscar RiosAlayna AdamezWill BerryIsabella Jubrey Alissa EscutiaNFL FLAG Players of the Year award:
Female winner:
Male winner:
Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026: Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly, Drew Brees, Adam Vinatieri, Rodger Craig
Finalists:
Willie Anderson, OTDrew Brees, QBJahri Evans, OGLarry Fitzgerald, WRFrank Gore, RBTorry Holt, WRLuke Kuechly, LBEli Manning, QBTerrell Suggs, OLB/DEAdam Vinatieri, KReggie Wayne, WRKevin Williams, DTJason Witten, TEDarren Woodson, SMarshal Yanda, OG/OTRodger Craig, RBNFL Honors 2026 results, highlights from awards show
10:12 p.m.: Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly, Drew Brees, Adam Vinatieri, and Rodger Craig get entered into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026
10:06 p.m.: Caleb Williams OT dagger to DJ Moore against the Packers wins the Next Gen Stats Moment of the Year.
THE #NFL PLAY OF THE YEAR.
CALEB WILLIAMS EPIC TOUCHDOWN PASS TO DJ MOORE AGAINST THE #PACKERS.
ICEMAN. ICONIC FOREVER.
pic.twitter.com/lYGAM5IdLz
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) February 6, 2026
9:54 p.m.: Budda Baker wins the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award.
Budda Baker is this year’s Art Rooney Award winner for Sportsmanship.
NFL Honors on NBC/NFL Network
Stream on @NFLPlus & Peacock pic.twitter.com/JF6MkzkcZA
— NFL (@NFL) February 6, 2026
9:49 p.m.: Mike Vrabel wins Coach of the Year.
AFC Champion
Coach of the Year
Not a bad first season in New England for Mike Vrabel
NFL Honors on NBC/NFL Network
Stream on @NFLPlus & Peacock pic.twitter.com/4wMcWHRHKe
— NFL (@NFL) February 6, 2026
9:35 p.m.: Christian McCaffrey wins Comeback Player of the Year.
Comeback Christian 🔥 #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/rz7ct5rLDl
— NFL (@NFL) February 6, 2026
9:33 p.m.: Joe Thuney wins the first-ever Protector of the Year Award.
Joe Thuney earns Protector of the Year Award in his 10th NFL season.
Watch NFL Honors live on NBC and NFL Network, or stream on NFL+ and Peacock. pic.twitter.com/qeweRC724u
— smv (@slimvnsn) February 6, 2026
9:20 p.m.: Panthers rookie Tetairoa McMillan wins OROTY.
Tetairoa McMillan’s 1,000-yard season earns him OROY honors.
NFL Honors on NBC/NFL Network
Stream on @NFLPlus & Peacock pic.twitter.com/TuycxoSiU9
— NFL (@NFL) February 6, 2026
9:14 p.m.: Myles Garrett wins NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Myles Garrett’s record-breaking season made him the unanimous DPOY ⭐️
NFL Honors on NBC/NFL Network
Stream on @NFLPlus & Peacock pic.twitter.com/rmk1coeY6q
— NFL (@NFL) February 6, 2026
9:10 p.m.: The DJ at the NFL Honors is… Bijan Robinson, of course.
Christian McCaffrey and Olivia Culpo on the NFL Honors red carpet pic.twitter.com/Pcxxkhc84O
— Essential Network (@EssentialNetOnX) February 6, 2026
9:06 p.m.: Christian McCaffrey and Olivia Culpo arrive at the NFL Honors red carpet event.
Christian McCaffrey and Olivia Culpo on the NFL Honors red carpet pic.twitter.com/Pcxxkhc84O
— Essential Network (@EssentialNetOnX) February 6, 2026
8:59 p.m.: Bijan Robinson is all smiles at the NFL Honors.
.@Bijan5Robinson always smiling 😄 @Invisalign
NFL Honors on NBC/NFL Network
Stream on @NFLPlus & Peacock pic.twitter.com/pixugS6ULt
— NFL (@NFL) February 6, 2026
8:45 p.m.: Liam Coen is in the building.
Liam Coen with his wife Ashley at the NFL Honors ceremony tonight. pic.twitter.com/cWajicq48S
— Nash Henry (@NashJagsNats22) February 6, 2026
7:58 p.m.: Puka Nacua at the NFL Honors.
.@AsapPuka 15th Annual NFL Honors#nflhonors pic.twitter.com/QB0WSq7s9V
— Award Show News (@AwardShowNews) February 6, 2026
7:49 p.m.: Will Anderson is feeling himself at the NFL Honors.
.@will_anderson28 fitted up for #NFLHonors 🔥
NFL Honors on NBC/NFL Network
Stream on @NFLPlus & Peacock pic.twitter.com/83ka0jFoGg
— NFL (@NFL) February 6, 2026
7:33 p.m.: Host Jon Hamm has arrived at the NFL Honors.
Tonight’s host Jon Hamm is here!
NFL Honors — 9pm ET on NBC/NFL Network
Stream on @NFLPlus & Peacock pic.twitter.com/dfj0VbIy3f
— NFL (@NFL) February 6, 2026
7:16 p.m.: Winner of Dancing With the Stars Robert Irwin is at the NFL Honors.
Welcome to the NFL Honors red carpet, @RobertIrwin!
NFL Honors — 9pm ET on NBC/NFL Network
Stream on @NFLPlus & Peacock pic.twitter.com/MKwi6YQLOX
— NFL (@NFL) February 6, 2026
7:15 p.m.: Myles Garrett arrives at NFL Honors.
Myles Garrett has arrived at NFL Honors pic.twitter.com/cIj6UmXocC
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) February 6, 2026
7:04 p.m.: Ava Rotondi, 2025 Flag Player of the Year and Steelers representative, on the NFL Honors red carpet
2025 Flag Player of the Year, and Steelers representative, Ava Rotondi on the Red Carpet at NFL Honors!
📸 Doug Benc/AP pic.twitter.com/bSynfX0NBO
— Steelers Youth Football (@SteelersYouthFB) February 6, 2026
7:00 p.m.: Kay Adams arrives at the red carpet at the NFL Honors.
.@heykayadams at NFL Honors 📸 pic.twitter.com/F04Ctjmbhu
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 5, 2026
Dhar Mann at the 25th Annual NFL Honors.
.@dharmann 15th Annual NFL Honors#nflhonors pic.twitter.com/cN9NTGugCY
— Award Show News (@AwardShowNews) February 5, 2026
A sneak peek at the red carpet moments before some of the players begin to arrive.
Getting set at NFL Honors in San Francisco. Posted up on the red carpet looking to snag as many interviews as humanly possible with current and former NFL stars, celebrities and other luminaries in attendance. pic.twitter.com/DgITRuQa6U
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) February 5, 2026
The seating arrangement for the NFL Honors has been set.
Red carpet starts 🔜
NFL Honors — Thursday 9pm ET on NBC/NFL Network
Stream on @NFLPlus & Peacock pic.twitter.com/TiliNtdQIm
— NFL (@NFL) February 5, 2026Where to watch 2026 NFL Honors awards showWhat channel is the 2026 NFL Honors awards show on?TV channel: NBC | NFL NetworkLive stream: Peacock
The 2026 NFL Honors ceremony will air live on NBC and NFL Network.
Viewers can stream the event live on Peacock.
NFL Honors start timeDate: Thursday, Feb. 5Time: 9 p.m. ET
The NFL Honors will begin at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 5
This year’s awards show will be held at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, hosted by Jon Hamm.