Before the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles face off at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX (Sunday, 6:30 p.m. ET, FOX), the NFL’s finest gathered at the Saenger Theatre for the prestigious 2025 NFL Honours ceremony.
From surprise wins to record-breaking performances, here are the biggest award winners of the night.
Josh Allen Named NFL MVP
Josh Allen | Quarterback | Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen took home his first-ever NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, edging out Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson. Allen became just the third player in history to win the MVP despite not being named a first-team All-Pro since the award’s inception in 1957.
Key Highlights:
Led the Bills to 13 wins and an AFC Championship Game appearance.
Recorded a career-low six interceptions and only two fumbles.
Threw for 28 touchdowns and rushed for 12 more.
Extended his own NFL record with five consecutive seasons of 40+ passing and rushing touchdowns combined.
“Josh Allen’s leadership was the biggest reason for our success this season,” said Bills head coach Sean McDermott.
Kevin O’Connell Wins Coach of the Year
Kevin O’Connell | Head Coach | Minnesota Vikings
Despite entering the season with low expectations, O’Connell led the Vikings to a remarkable turnaround. ESPN Analytics had projected just 6.5 wins for Minnesota, but they exceeded that total by Week 9.
Notable Achievements:
Became only the second coach in NFL history to achieve two 13+ win seasons in his first three years.
Vikings finished with a 9-1 record in one-score games.
Holds a .743 win percentage in one-score games, second only to Hall of Famer Guy Chamberlin.
O’Connell’s belief in his team proved crucial in their unexpected success.
Jared Verse Named Defensive Rookie of the Year
Jared Verse | Edge Rusher | Los Angeles Rams
The Rams’ first first-round draft pick since 2016, Jared Verse made an immediate impact on the defensive line, stepping up in the absence of retired star Aaron Donald.
Season Highlights:
4.5 sacks, 66 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries.
Fourth in the NFL in quarterback pressures (76).
Named the Rams’ only Pro Bowl selection this season.
Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula praised Verse, saying, “He’s a true three-down player and a game-changer.”
Joe Burrow Wins Comeback Player of the Year
Joe Burrow | Quarterback | Cincinnati Bengals
After suffering a devastating wrist injury in 2023, Joe Burrow returned stronger than ever to claim his second Comeback Player of the Year award.
Remarkable Stats:
Led the NFL in passing yards (4,918) and touchdowns (43).
Finished third in Total QBR (74.7).
Joined Chad Pennington as the only two-time winners of the award since 1998.
“It’s not exactly an award you want to be up for, but if you are, you might as well win it,” Burrow joked.
Saquon Barkley Crowned Offensive Player of the Year
Saquon Barkley | Running Back | Philadelphia Eagles
Barkley had a historic season with the Eagles, coming close to breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record.
Season Achievements:
Totaled over 2,000 rushing yards.
Recorded seven 60+ yard touchdown runs—the most in a single season.
Led the Eagles to a 14-3 record with a run-heavy offensive approach.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman stated, “I’d like to say he exceeded expectations, but he’s always been one of the best players I’ve ever seen.”
Pat Surtain II Wins Defensive Player of the Year
Pat Surtain II | Cornerback | Denver Broncos
Surtain’s lockdown defense was unmatched throughout the season, making him the top choice for Defensive Player of the Year.
Defensive Dominance:
Allowed the fewest receiving yards (306) among all cornerbacks (minimum 375 coverage snaps).
Second-lowest passer rating allowed when targeted.
Four interceptions, leading the league in interception return yards (132).
Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said, “Pat gives us a defensive edge that few teams have.”
Jayden Daniels Wins Offensive Rookie of the Year
Jayden Daniels | Quarterback | Washington Commanders
Daniels’ debut season was nothing short of spectacular, setting multiple rookie records.
Rookie Records:
Led the Commanders to a conference championship game.
Rushed for a record-breaking 891 yards as a rookie quarterback.
Passed for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Led five game-winning drives, including one in the playoffs.
Daniels also became the first quarterback in NFL history to complete at least 85% of his throws in consecutive games.
Ben Johnson Wins Assistant Coach of the Year
Ben Johnson | Offensive Coordinator | Detroit Lions
Before becoming the head coach of the Chicago Bears, Johnson played a crucial role in the Detroit Lions’ record-setting season.
Impactful Coaching:
Helped the Lions secure a franchise-best 15 wins.
Guided the team to back-to-back NFC North titles.
Known for his innovative offensive strategies and play-calling.
Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams praised Johnson’s knowledge of the game, saying, “He understands the game like no other. It’s like playing Madden with him.”
Final Thoughts
The 2025 NFL Honours celebrated a season full of resilience, record-breaking performances, and unexpected victories. With the Super Bowl just around the corner, these award winners have left their mark on an unforgettable year in the NFL.
Who do you think deserved to win? Let us know in the comments!