Allen Wins MVP as NFL’s Best Honored at League Awards

The 2025 NFL Honors ceremony in New Orleans delivered one of the biggest surprises of the night when Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen was named the league’s Most Valuable Player, edging out Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Allen’s victory defied the usual trend, as he became the first player in 21 years to win MVP without being selected as a first-team All-Pro. The last players to achieve this feat were John Elway in 1987 and Steve McNair in 2003.

The MVP race was one of the closest in recent memory, with Allen securing 27 of the 50 first-place votes, while Jackson, who was selected first-team All-Pro quarterback, finished with 23. Many had expected Jackson to win his third MVP award, but a voting shift played a crucial role in the final outcome. Nine voters who had picked Jackson as Offensive Player of the Year cast their MVP votes for Allen, tipping the scales in the Bills quarterback’s favor.

Allen became the third player in Buffalo Bills history to win the award, joining O.J. Simpson in 1973 and Thurman Thomas in 1991. The four-vote margin between first-place votes was the smallest since 2003, when Manning and McNair were named co-MVPs. During his acceptance speech, Allen expressed gratitude to his teammates, emphasizing that team success played a significant role in his individual achievement. He also acknowledged the other MVP finalists, including Jackson, and praised their outstanding seasons.

Despite trailing Jackson in most statistical categories, Allen was credited with doing more with less. The Bills lost their top two wide receivers, Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, yet Allen still led the team to the AFC East title and the conference’s second-best record at 13-4. He became the first player in NFL history to record at least 25 touchdown passes, 10 rushing touchdowns, and fewer than 10 interceptions in a single season, finishing with 28 passing touchdowns, 12 rushing scores, and six interceptions.

Bills head coach Sean McDermott emphasized that Allen’s leadership was the driving force behind Buffalo’s success, stating that his consistency and presence were instrumental in the team’s achievements. Jackson, meanwhile, left the NFL Honors ceremony without an award despite putting up his best statistical season, surpassing his previous MVP-winning performances in 2019 and 2023. He set career highs with 4,172 passing yards and 41 touchdown passes while leading the Ravens to the league’s top-ranked offense. Jackson also made history as the first player to record more than 4,000 passing yards and 900 rushing yards in the same season.

Saquon Barkley took home the Offensive Player of the Year award after a dominant first season with the Philadelphia Eagles. The star running back became the ninth player in NFL history to rush for more than 2,000 yards and came within 100 yards of breaking Eric Dickerson’s all-time single-season rushing record. Barkley averaged 142.7 rushing yards per game, ranking among the highest in the past 15 years. He won in convincing fashion, receiving 35 of the 50 first-place votes, while Jackson finished second with 12.

On the defensive side, Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II was named Defensive Player of the Year. Surtain allowed only two touchdowns and 306 receiving yards throughout the season, ranking among the league’s best at his position. He received 26 first-place votes, surpassing Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson and Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett. Surtain thanked his parents, particularly his father, a former NFL cornerback, for shaping him into the player he is today.

Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels secured the Offensive Rookie of the Year award after leading Washington to a remarkable turnaround season. The former No. 2 draft pick helped transform a 4-13 team into an NFC Championship contender, guiding Washington to a 12-5 record. Daniels made history as the first rookie quarterback to throw for more than 3,500 yards while also rushing for more than 800 yards in a season. He received 49 of the 50 first-place votes, with the only other vote going to Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. Daniels also won the Moment of the Year award for his Hail Mary touchdown pass that sealed a victory against the Bears.

Los Angeles Rams pass rusher Jared Verse took home the Defensive Rookie of the Year award, becoming the team’s first winner in this category since Aaron Donald in 2014. The former first-round pick led all rookies in quarterback hits and pressures, finishing with 4.5 sacks. He received 37 first-place votes, comfortably beating Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell and Rams defensive tackle Braden Fiske.

Joe Burrow won Comeback Player of the Year after bouncing back fr om a season-ending wrist injury. The Bengals quarterback led the NFL with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns in 2024. During his speech, Burrow joked about not wanting to be nominated for the award twice, referencing his history of injuries. Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins and Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold finished second and third, respectively. The award was presented by Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss, who appeared via video message as he continues cancer treatment. Moss thanked his doctors and fans for their support, receiving a standing ovation.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell was named Coach of the Year after leading his team to a 14-win season despite losing first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy to a season-ending knee injury before the regular season began. The Vikings had been projected to win just 6.5 games but ended up finishing among the NFC’s top teams. O’Connell became only the second Vikings coach to win the award, joining Bud Grant, who won in 1969.

Jaguars defensive lineman Arik Armstead was recognized with the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, given to a player who demonstrates excellence both on and off the field. The award, named after the late Hall of Fame running back, is considered one of the most prestigious honors in the league. Each team nominates one player who has made a significant positive impact in the community.

Former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was named Assistant Coach of the Year, while Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and ex-Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn were the runners-up.

49ers tight end George Kittle received the Salute to Service award for his work in supporting U.S. service members. The NFL Honors ceremony celebrated the league’s best players, coaches, and moments, capping off an incredible season of football.