Matthew Stafford has claimed his maiden NFL Most Valuable Player award at the age of 37, edging out New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye by just a single first-place vote.
The Los Angeles Rams signal-caller received the honour at Thursday evening’s NFL Honours ceremony, held at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.
His victory marks a historic achievement, as Stafford becomes the oldest quarterback ever to capture the MVP for the first time.
The award also extends an impressive streak, representing the 13th consecutive season in which a quarterback has taken home the league’s most prestigious individual honour.
Stafford’s 2025 campaign stands as the finest of his 17-year professional career, with the veteran passer topping the league in both passing yards and touchdowns.
His 4,707 yards through the air and 46 scoring throws, a franchise record and personal best, came alongside a remarkably efficient eight interceptions.
The performance earned him first-team All-Pro recognition, with Stafford becoming only the fourth quarterback in history to record at least 45 touchdown passes while keeping interceptions below double figures.
His 109.2 passer rating represented a significant improvement on previous standout seasons, including his 2011 campaign with Detroit and his Super Bowl-winning year in 2021.
Matthew Stafford has claimed his maiden NFL Most Valuable Player award at the age of 37
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The Rams finished 12-5 in a competitive NFC West before reaching the conference championship game.
Stafford used his acceptance speech to end weeks of speculation about his playing future, confirming he will return for an 18th NFL season in 2026.
Standing on stage alongside his four daughters, the quarterback declared: “I’ll see you guys next year.”
The announcement prompted an immediate celebration from head coach Sean McVay and teammates Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams, who leapt to their feet in the audience.
Matthew Stafford becomes the oldest quarterback ever to capture the MVP for the first time
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Stafford’s future had remained uncertain since the Rams fell 31-27 to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game last month, with McVay himself admitting he was unsure whether his quarterback would continue.
The veteran remains under contract with Los Angeles at a salary cap figure of $48.3 million for next season.
Stafford explained that his family’s backing proved decisive in his choice to continue playing.
He told reporters afterwards: “This game takes a lot out of you. If they weren’t supportive of me playing, I wouldn’t do it.”
Matthew Stafford’s 2025 campaign stands as the finest of his 17-year professional career
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The quarterback emphasised that his daughters’ enthusiasm for watching him compete made the difference.
He added: “I’m lucky to have little girls that want their dad to do what he loves to do.”
With this MVP honour, Stafford joins an exclusive club of just 15 quarterbacks who possess both the league’s top individual award and a Super Bowl championship.
10 of the other 14 members of this group have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
