Rams quarterback prevails in five-vote thriller over Patriots breakout star, becomes oldest first-time MVP winner while securing career-high 46 passing touchdowns
Matthew Stafford won the NFL Most Valuable Player Award Thursday night in one of the tightest races in recent memory. The Los Angeles Rams quarterback edged New England Patriots counterpart Drake Maye by just five points in voting, receiving 24 of 50 first-place votes and finishing with 366 total points to Maye’s 361. It was the closest MVP race since 2003, when Peyton Manning and Steve McNair were co-winners a remarkable statement about the quality of both candidates’ seasons.
But Stafford made bigger news in his acceptance speech, announcing he’ll return next season after contemplating retirement. Standing on stage with his four daughters dressed in identical black-and-white dresses, Stafford delivered the declaration that immediately dominated postgame conversation. “I can’t wait for you to cheer me on next year when we’re out there kicking ass,” he told his family before pivoting to a direct message for fans: “I’ll see you guys next year. Hopefully, I’m not at this event and we’re getting ready for another game at SoFi.”
That statement combined with his MVP achievement cemented what could become a historic season if the Rams can capitalize on their veteran QB’s performance next year.
Historic Achievement
At 37 years old in his 17th NFL season, Stafford became the oldest player in NFL history to win his first MVP Award. He also became just the third-oldest player ever to win the award, joining Tom Brady (2017) and Aaron Rodgers (2021) an elite group reflecting both his longevity and the prolonged excellence required to remain relevant at his age and experience level.
The achievement is even more remarkable considering Stafford’s career trajectory. For years, he was a prolific passer on losing teams in Detroit, accumulating impressive statistics without the recognition his production warranted. Even after winning Super Bowl LVI with Los Angeles in the 2021 season, MVP consideration seemed unlikely for a player deep into his career. Yet here he stands, finally receiving the individual honor that eluded him for nearly two decades.
Stafford led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards a career-high 46 passing touchdowns paired with just eight interceptions. That TD-to-INT ratio (5.75:1) represents elite efficiency, the kind of ball security that wins championships. His performance directly correlates to the Rams securing the fifth seed in the NFC despite finishing second in the NFC West with a 12-5 record.
The Close Race
The nearness of the voting reflects the quality of both candidates. Maye, at 23 years old, delivered a breakout sophomore season that electrified New England and positioned the Patriots as legitimate AFC contenders. He led the NFL in passer rating (113.5), completion percentage (72.0%), and yards per attempt (8.9) while throwing for 4,394 yards with 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He became the youngest player since the 1970 merger to lead the NFL in completion percentage, surpassing Joe Montana’s 1980 record.
Yet Stafford’s combination of production, team success, and narrative arc finally achieving MVP recognition after nearly two decades ultimately prevailed with voters. Over the final two months of the regular season, Stafford and Maye flip-flopped in MVP odds multiple times, with Stafford emerging as the favorite after Week 18. He was also named AP first-team All-Pro for the first time in his career, a distinction that preceded and complemented his MVP honor.
The Competition
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, the defending 2024 MVP, received two first-place votes and finished third overall. Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert received the remaining first-place vote. Christian McCarthey and Trevor Lawrence rounded out the top five, though their voting totals reflected a significant gap between the top two finishers.
The voting structure awarded 10 points for first-place votes, with 5, 3, 2, and 1 points for second through fifth-place votes respectively. A nationwide panel of 50 media members completed voting before the playoffs began.
Looking Ahead
Stafford’s return announcement addresses the immediate question facing the franchise. Los Angeles fell short of the Super Bowl after losing to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game, leaving unfinished business heading into next season. With Stafford now committed to a return, the Rams can build their 2026 campaign around their MVP-caliber quarterback.
Stafford’s 64,516 regular-season passing yards rank sixth in NFL history, just 1,758 behind Aaron Rodgers. His MVP recognition provides validation for a career spent largely in the shadows of more celebrated contemporaries, finally cementing his place among football’s elite.
