Rams QB Matthew Stafford named NFL MVP, says he'll play in '26

Field Level Media|published: Thu 5th February, 23:17 2026

NFL: NFC Championship Game-Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks

Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) walks on field before the 2026 NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams was named NFL Most Valuable Player on Thursday night at the NFL Honors event in San Francisco.

It marks the first time the quarterback has won the award in his 17 NFL seasons, the first 12 spent with the Detroit Lions and the last five with the Rams.

He narrowly edged New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye for the award, finishing with five more points than the Patriots quarterback.

Stafford, who turns 38 on Saturday, also revealed he will return for an 18th season. He hadn't previously committed to return in 2026.

Stafford led the NFL with 4,707 yards and 46 touchdown passes despite playing through back issues. He didn't miss a game and was intercepted eight times in 597 attempts.

Stafford (366 points) received 24 of the 50 first-place votes while Maye (361) got 23.

--Field Level Media

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