Before the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles clash at Caesars Superdome for Super Bowl LIX, on Sunday, February 9, the NFL's best gathered at the Saenger Theatre for the annual NFL Honors. And let's say there were some surprises.
If you are curious to know who the 2025 MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, or the king of comebacks is, scroll down to read the award winners and why they earned the title.
Most Valuable Player (MVP)
Josh Allen | QB | Buffalo Bills
Allen finally got his MVP moment and did it in a way no one expected—by playing it smart. He cut down on turnovers, throwing a career-low six interceptions while still racking up 40 total touchdowns (28 passing, 12 rushing). Oh, and he helped 13 different Bills players catch a TD, tying an NFL record. It's not too shabby for a guy who had doubters questioning if he'd ever win the big one.
Coach of the Year
Kevin O'Connell | Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings were supposed to be rebuilding. Instead, O'Connell led them to another stellar season, proving he's got a knack for winning tight games. Minnesota finished 9-1 in one-score contests, boosting O'Connell's career record in those nail-biters to an insane 26-9. Safe to say, he knows how to keep things interesting.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Jared Verse | Edge | Los Angeles Rams
Verse had massive shoes to fill with Aaron Donald's retirement, but the rookie edge rusher delivered. He racked up 4.5 sacks, 66 tackles, and 76 quarterback pressures, which is 20 more than any other rookie. No wonder he was the Rams' lone Pro Bowler.
Comeback Player of the Year
Joe Burrow | QB | Cincinnati Bengals
Another year, another comeback story for Joe Cool. After a season-ending wrist injury in 2023, Burrow returned stronger than ever, leading the league in passing yards (4,918) and touchdowns (43). He's now one of only two players to win Comeback Player of the Year twice. If there's one thing we've learned, it's never count out Burrow.
Offensive Player of the Year
Saquon Barkley | RB | Philadelphia Eagles
Barkley didn't just have a good year; he had one of the best ever. He rushed for over 2,000 yards and came within 100 yards of breaking Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record. Oh, and those seven touchdown runs of 60+ yards? Most in a season, ever. Not bad for his first year in Philly.
Defensive Player of the Year
Pat Surtain II | CB | Denver Broncos
Surtain locked down receivers all season, making life miserable for the league's best. His coverage numbers were off the charts; he had the fewest yards allowed, had the lowest passer rating when targeted, and even led the league in interception return yards. He wasn't just good; he was dominant.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Jayden Daniels | QB | Washington Commanders
Daniels didn't just meet expectations; he shattered them. He became the first rookie quarterback to lead a team to the conference championship game without an elite defense, rushed for more yards than any rookie quarterback in history, and threw more fourth-quarter and overtime touchdowns than any rookie ever. It's safe to say Washington has their guy.
Assistant Coach of the Year
Ben Johnson | Detroit Lions (Now Chicago Bears HC) | Offensive Coordinator
Johnson helped turn the Lions into an offensive powerhouse, leading them to a franchise-best 15-win season. His creative playcalling had Detroit rolling, and now he's off to try and fix the Bears. Good luck, Chicago!
That's a wrap on the NFL Honors. Now, all eyes turn to the Super Bowl LIX to see who takes home the ultimate prize: the Chiefs or Eagles.