Nearing the culmination of Super Bowl week, the professional football community directed its focus to the NFL Honors ceremony held on Thursday evening, during which the foremost accolades for the 2025 campaign were distributed.
Most Valuable Player — Matthew Stafford, Quarterback for the Rams
Top Offensive Performer — Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver for the Seahawks
Top Defensive Performer — Myles Garrett, Defensive End for the Browns
Outstanding Offensive Novice — Tetairoa McMillan, Wide Receiver for the Panthers
Outstanding Defensive Novice — Carson Schwesinger, Linebacker for the Browns
Year’s Best Blocker — Joe Thuney, Offensive Guard for the Bears
Year’s Resurgent Athlete — Christian McCaffrey, Running Back for the 49ers
Top Coach of the Year — Mike Vrabel, Head Coach of the Patriots
The evening additionally featured the unveiling of the 2026 Hall of Fame inductees, a five-person group comprising Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly, Adam Vinatieri, and Roger Craig. It had been noted earlier that iconic Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft were not among those selected.
Moreover, fresh Super Bowl injury updates were released on Thursday concerning both the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots rosters.
The two starting quarterbacks seem fit and prepared to compete, with Patriots signal-caller Drake Maye engaging fully in practice sessions on both Wednesday and Thursday, notwithstanding a reported shoulder ailment, as per the squad’s medical bulletin.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold similarly took part completely in Thursday’s practice, having faced restrictions on Wednesday due to an oblique strain sustained several weeks prior.
Conversely, Seahawks first-year safety Nick Emmanwori suffered an ankle injury during Wednesday’s practice and consequently did not participate in Thursday’s session. Emmanwori stated his intention to play in Sunday’s game.
Regarding the Patriots, linebacker Harold Landry skipped Thursday’s practice subsequent to a limited participation on Wednesday, whereas fellow linebacker Robert Spillane rejoined practice with limitations after being absent on Wednesday.
Stay informed with Yahoo Sports for the most recent NFL developments and player health status updates in anticipation of Super Bowl LX.
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Andy Backstrom
Now that the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class has been finalized, attention is shifting toward potential members of the 2027 class, particularly those becoming eligible for the first time. The prospective group is formidable. Notable candidates include ex-New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, and one-time Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
The NFL Honors event wrapped up with Commanders Linebacker Bobby Wagner being recognized for his humanitarian efforts and societal contributions.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Stafford achieved a narrow victory over the Patriots’ quarterback, securing 24 top-place ballots compared to Maye’s 23. Josh Allen was the sole additional contender to receive any first-place votes, tallying 2.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Stafford triumphs over Patriots signal-caller Drake Maye to claim the NFL’s premier accolade for the 2025 campaign.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
The Seahawks wideout secures the recognition, though naturally he is not present to receive it, given his team’s preparations for a crucial upcoming contest on Sunday.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
This second-round selection from UCLA emerged as a vital component of Cleveland’s formidable defensive unit.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Caleb Williams’ game-deciding touchdown throw to DJ Moore, which helped the Bears defeat the Packers and ultimately secure the NFC North championship, was chosen as the most memorable play of the current season.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
As previously noted, the prominent individuals absent from this group are Patriots icons Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft, both of whom were initial-time finalists this year.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Drew Brees
Larry Fitzgerald
Luke Kuechly
Adam Vinatieri
Roger Craig
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Vrabel bested his Super Bowl rival, Mike Macdonald of the Seahawks. Will the result on Sunday prove consequential?
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Predictably, the Patriots’ lead strategist claims the accolade following his inaugural year at the helm, guiding the squad to the Super Bowl.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
The 49ers’ running back experienced a superb season, participating in all 17 matchups subsequent to sitting out the majority of the prior season due to multiple ailments.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
The Bears’ guard is the recipient of this newly established honor, conceived to recognize offensive linemen.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
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Yahoo Sports Staff
The Panthers’ wide receiver earns the distinction after accumulating more than 1,000 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
This outcome is unsurprising, considering Garrett surpassed the NFL record with 23 sacks this season. This marks the second Defensive Player of the Year award for the Browns’ defensive end, having previously earned it in 2023.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
It appears Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is serving as the disc jockey for tonight’s NFL Honors ceremony:
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Yahoo Sports Staff
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Prior to the commencement of the primary event, several preliminary awards are being declared. McDaniels secures the league’s leading assistant coach honor amidst his preparations with the Patriots for the Super Bowl.
