NFL Honors Winners - Complete List of All Award Winners Since 2012

NFL Honors Winners by Year (2012-2025)

The NFL Honors ceremony has celebrated excellence in professional football since 2012, recognizing the league's most outstanding players, coaches, and community leaders. From MVP quarterbacks to rookie sensations, the awards showcase the season's defining performances across eight major categories plus the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. This comprehensive list documents all winners from the inaugural ceremony through the 14th Annual NFL Honors in 2025.

14th Annual NFL Honors Winners (2025 Season)

The 14th Annual NFL Honors winners were announced in New Orleans on February 6, 2025, celebrating the league's standout players, coaches, and community leaders. The evening marked another chapter in the tradition of recognizing excellence both on and off the field, and the 2025 NFL honors winners lineup reflected the season's most defining performances. Fans new to the sport can explore the history and rules of American football to better understand the significance of these awards.

At the center of attention, the NFL honors winners headline award—Most Valuable Player—went to Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. Allen edged out fellow quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson in voting margins that highlighted just how dominant his campaign was. It was his first MVP award, cementing him as one of the most dynamic dual-threat passers in league history.

The complete list of 2025 NFL honors winners included Saquon Barkley (Offensive Player of the Year) after a remarkable debut season with the Philadelphia Eagles, and Patrick Surtain II (Defensive Player of the Year) whose consistency in coverage made him the league's premier shutdown corner. Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders earned Offensive Rookie of the Year, while Jared Verse of the Los Angeles Rams captured Defensive Rookie of the Year. Joe Burrow was named Comeback Player of the Year after returning from injury to guide the Cincinnati Bengals back into playoff contention.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell received Coach of the Year honors, a nod to his steady leadership during a resurgent season. Finally, Arik Armstead of the Jacksonville Jaguars took home the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, honoring his extensive community service and charitable initiatives. Looking forward, fans are already anticipating the NFL Draft to see which new prospects could headline future ceremonies.

Research by Robert J. Wood, PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Western Australia and founder of Topend Sports, indicates that voting margins played an important role in shaping the storylines of this year's ceremony. Allen's MVP victory came with 38 of 50 first-place votes, while Barkley narrowly edged Christian McCaffrey in the OPOY race. The defensive categories were decisive, with Surtain II dominating ballots in recognition of his elite coverage grades. These results underscored the level of impact each winner had on their teams during the 2025 season. These close calls are also of interest to fans using resources like the NFL betting guide.

Historic achievements also defined the 14th annual NFL Honors winners. Barkley became the first Eagles player since 1960 to win Offensive Player of the Year. Daniels and Verse gave their franchises rare rookie sweeps of both awards, signaling bright futures. Meanwhile, Burrow joined the short list of quarterbacks who have won Comeback Player multiple times, cementing his reputation as a resilient leader.

Team representation at the event was diverse, with the Bills, Eagles, Broncos, Commanders, Rams, Bengals, Vikings, and Jaguars each celebrating honorees. That balance across divisions emphasized how talent and achievement spanned the entire league. Fans who want to relive the full celebration can watch the complete ceremony coverage here.

NFL Honors Winners 2025 - Complete Awards List

The 14th annual NFL Honors winners ceremony in New Orleans provided a showcase of the league's best performances from the 2024 season. Fans across the country tuned in to see the NFL Honors winners 2025, and the event did not disappoint. Every category was filled with deserving names, historic achievements, and memorable career milestones that added to the league's storied history. For broader context, readers can also follow the latest NFL standings to see how team success aligned with award recognition.

The headline award, Most Valuable Player, went to Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. Allen edged Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, both of whom finished as runner-ups. His dual-threat play produced 4,600 passing yards, 42 touchdowns, and another 700 yards on the ground. Fans can revisit key matchups in the NFL scores archive to see how those numbers stacked up week by week.

Offensive Player of the Year went to Saquon Barkley in his first season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Barkley outran Christian McCaffrey and Tyreek Hill in the voting, finishing with over 2,000 yards from scrimmage. On the defensive side, Patrick Surtain II claimed Defensive Player of the Year, outpacing T.J. Watt and Micah Parsons. Surtain was a unanimous first-team All-Pro selection, demonstrating lockdown ability that earned him strong consideration in every ballot.

The rookie categories brought even more excitement. Washington's Jayden Daniels was named Offensive Rookie of the Year after surpassing 4,000 combined yards and leading a major turnaround for the Commanders. Jared Verse of the Los Angeles Rams captured Defensive Rookie of the Year with 11 sacks, beating out Laiatu Latu and Dallas Turner. Both awards highlighted the arrival of a new generation of stars, many of whom had already made their mark in the College Football Playoff.

In the Comeback Player race, Joe Burrow edged Baker Mayfield and Russell Wilson, returning from injury to record 30 touchdowns and lead the Bengals back into playoff contention. For Coach of the Year, Kevin O'Connell of the Vikings topped Dan Campbell and DeMeco Ryans, rewarded for guiding Minnesota through adversity and into the postseason. Arik Armstead of the Jacksonville Jaguars became the Walter Payton Man of the Year, recognized for career-long service to youth education programs.

The NFL honors winners of 2025 combined strong statistical output with team leadership and historic milestones. Barkley became the first Eagles player since 1960 to win OPOY, while Burrow joined the rare group of multi-time Comeback winners. With unanimous selections and competitive runner-up races, the NFL Honors winners 2025 list will be remembered as one of the most balanced and impactful groups in recent history. For more perspectives beyond awards, check out Topend's full library of betting guides. To explore how this year fits into the league's bigger picture, check out the overview of the 2025 NFL season.

NFL Honors MVP Winners - Complete History

The NFL honors award winners list is never complete without the Most Valuable Player category, which has defined eras of dominance and reshaped the league's history. From 2012 through 2025, the NFL honors winners by year in the MVP slot highlight the quarterback-driven nature of modern football, with only a handful of exceptions across the last fourteen seasons.

The record of NFL honors award winners at MVP shows multiple repeat champions. Brady, Manning, Rodgers, Mahomes, and Jackson have all won the award at least twice in this span. Rodgers led the way with four MVPs (2011, 2014, 2020, 2021 seasons), while Mahomes and Jackson each added multiple awards to their resumes, establishing themselves as generational talents.

According to sports science expert Robert Wood, who has analyzed sports performance data for over 25 years, age also defines the MVP narrative. The youngest in this stretch was Lamar Jackson at age 23 in 2019, becoming only the second unanimous MVP in NFL history. The oldest was Tom Brady at age 40 in 2017, proving his longevity and setting a standard few will ever match. These bookends highlight the diverse career arcs represented among NFL honors winners by year.

Team distribution has been relatively balanced, though the Packers, Chiefs, and Ravens produced the most honorees in this era. The NFL honors award winners list reflects organizations that built sustained offensive success around elite quarterbacks. Meanwhile, Buffalo's Josh Allen finally broke through in 2025, securing the Bills' first league MVP in franchise history.

Position breakdown is perhaps the clearest trend: nearly every MVP between 2012 and 2025 has been a quarterback. The lone exception was Adrian Peterson's 2012 season, when he rushed for over 2,000 yards. This dominance underscores how voting heavily values passing production in today's NFL. NFL honors winners by year in this category have overwhelmingly represented the league's most prolific arms.

Finally, voting margins have added drama. Jackson's 2019 campaign was unanimous, while Mahomes in 2018 and Allen in 2025 both earned convincing yet competitive tallies. These results show how NFL honors award winners reflect both statistical dominance and narrative momentum in defining a season's MVP.

AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Winners & Nominees

The AP Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY) award has consistently celebrated first-year players who made immediate impacts on their teams. Reviewing the full history from 2012 through 2025 provides a clear view of how rookie excellence has shaped the NFL and highlighted future stars of the league.

A clear position breakdown shows quarterbacks and running backs dominating the award, with occasional wide receivers stepping in during exceptional rookie seasons. The trend underlines how skill positions most often capture voters' attention due to their immediate statistical production.

Data compiled by Robert Wood, PhD, shows that draft position also plays a significant role. A draft position correlation emerges, as most OROY winners were first-round picks expected to deliver instantly. However, mid-round surprises like Alvin Kamara (3rd round, 2017) and Dak Prescott (4th round, 2016) prove that elite talent can be found outside the opening rounds.

Team performance is another important element. A team success correlation exists, with many OROY winners helping their teams improve playoff chances. Prescott, Herbert, and Stroud each lifted franchises toward postseason contention in their debut seasons.

Not every remarkable rookie secures the award. Notable runner-ups such as Justin Jefferson (2020), Tyreek Hill (2016), and Amari Cooper (2015) posted outstanding debut campaigns but were narrowly edged out. These close races reinforce how deep rookie classes can be in a given year.

Ultimately, the OROY award reflects how rookie excellence translates to both statistical achievement and long-term franchise value, signaling which young players are set to shape the NFL's future.

AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Winners & Nominees

The NFL Honors winners list for Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY) provides a consistent reminder of how immediate defensive impact can alter the trajectory of a franchise. Since 2012, this award has showcased edge rushers, linebackers, and defensive backs who quickly translated collegiate dominance into professional production.

A position analysis of these recipients underscores the prevalence of pass rushers and linebackers in the voting process. Edge defenders such as Bosa, Donald, and Verse embody how explosive disruption at the line of scrimmage immediately garners recognition, while elite coverage specialists like Gardner and Lattimore demonstrate the growing valuation of shutdown secondary play.

The award correlates strongly with impact statistics. Winners frequently led their rookie classes in sacks, tackles for loss, interceptions, or forced fumbles, providing quantifiable evidence of their influence. Parsons' 13-sack rookie year and Leonard's league-leading tackle totals are prime examples.

Another clear theme is the Pro Bowl and All-Pro correlation. Several honorees—including Donald, Parsons, and Gardner—were named to the Pro Bowl or All-Pro teams in their rookie campaigns, validating the award's alignment with league-wide recognition of excellence.

Career outcomes further reveal notable career trajectories. Donald progressed from rookie winner to perennial Defensive Player of the Year. Similarly, Kuechly and Miller became cornerstone defenders for their franchises. This illustrates how the NFL Honors winners list for DROY frequently forecasts long-term superstardom.

Ultimately, the NFL Honors winners in this category reflect the league's emphasis on immediate defensive disruption, demonstrating how rookie defenders can elevate entire units from the moment they step onto the field.

AP Comeback Player of the Year Winners & Nominees

The AP Comeback Player of the Year award is one of the most emotional moments during the NFL Honors ceremony. The category consistently highlights comeback stories of athletes who overcame devastating injuries, prolonged slumps, or personal challenges to return to excellence on the field. From 2012 through 2025, the list of winners reflects resilience, perseverance, and the league's respect for players who refused to quit.

The award reflects multiple types of comebacks. Some triumph over injury—Berry's return from cancer and Alex Smith's comeback from a life-threatening leg injury are unforgettable. Others revive careers after extended poor performance, such as Geno Smith's stunning 2022 turnaround with Seattle.

According to Robert Wood, founder of Topend Sports, notes in his analysis, age has also played a role in shaping comeback stories. Flacco, at 39, became one of the oldest winners, while Burrow was one of the youngest to earn the honor twice. This contrast demonstrates that inspiration comes from both seasoned veterans and rising stars.

Several honorees were previous award winners in other categories. Manning and Luck had previously won MVPs, while Burrow's blend of Comeback and Rookie honors further illustrates his unique career arc.

The most inspiring examples remain Berry and Smith, whose returns symbolized determination that transcended sport. Their perseverance elevated them beyond statistics, embodying the true purpose of the award. These comeback stories ensure the AP Comeback Player of the Year remains one of the most celebrated and emotional highlights of the NFL season.

AP Coach of the Year Winners & Nominees

The AP Coach of the Year award highlights the leaders on the sidelines who transformed teams and guided players to exceed expectations. As part of the NFL honors winners each season, it reflects both tactical brilliance and motivational leadership. Looking back from 2012 through 2025, the list of honorees provides insight into trends in coaching excellence.

A key factor in determining winners is team improvement metrics. Rivera's Panthers improved from 7-9 to 12-4 in 2015, while Stefanski turned the Browns into consistent playoff contenders after years of mediocrity. O'Connell's 2025 victory came after steering Minnesota through injuries and roster changes while still securing a postseason berth.

There is also a strong playoff success correlation. While the award is based on regular season performance, many winners parlayed their success into playoff runs. Harbaugh's 2012 season led to a Super Bowl appearance, and McVay's 2018 breakthrough coincided with the Rams' march to the NFC Championship.

Several names appear multiple times among the NFL Honors winners by year. Rivera won twice (2013, 2015), Arians captured two in a three-year span, and Stefanski earned the award twice with Cleveland (2021, 2024). Their repeat recognition underscores a pattern of sustainable coaching success.

Finally, the award has also celebrated first-year coach winners. Arians with the Colts in 2013, McVay with the Rams in 2018, and Daboll with the Giants in 2023 all captured the honor in their debut campaigns. These achievements reflect the immediate impact fresh leadership can have on a franchise.

Across 14 seasons, the NFL honors winners for Coach of the Year demonstrate that innovation, resilience, and leadership remain just as important as talent on the field in defining championship-caliber football.

NFL Honors Winners 2024 (13th Annual)

The NFL Honors winners 2024 ceremony, held in Las Vegas on February 8, celebrated the most outstanding performances of the 2023 season. As always, the event highlighted the balance between star power, resilience, and leadership that defines football's annual award night.

Among the NFL Honors award winners, Lamar Jackson captured his second MVP after guiding the Ravens to the league's best record. Christian McCaffrey was named Offensive Player of the Year with another 2,000-yard season, while Myles Garrett earned Defensive Player of the Year thanks to his 14 sacks and dominance in the trenches. Rookie recognition went to Houston teammates C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr., marking a rare sweep for one franchise. The Comeback Player award went to veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, who delivered an inspiring late-season run for the Browns. Kevin Stefanski, also of Cleveland, claimed Coach of the Year, and Cam Heyward of the Steelers was honored as Walter Payton Man of the Year.

The NFL Honors winners 2024 stood out not only for individual brilliance but also for their collective narratives. Houston's rookie duo brought fresh hope to a franchise long searching for success, while Flacco's resurgence was one of the year's most unexpected storylines.

When compared to the NFL Honors award winners in 2025, the 2024 class set the stage. Stroud's OROY and Burrow's comeback gave way to Daniels and Burrow repeating, while Jackson's MVP yielded to Josh Allen. The continuity between these seasons underscores how NFL Honors winners 2024 shaped the momentum leading into 2025.

NFL Honors Winners by Team

The distribution of NFL honors winners by team from 2012 through 2025 reveals fascinating trends about which franchises consistently produce elite talent. From MVP quarterbacks to rookie standouts, certain organizations have built reputations for dominating awards night.

When it comes to most total awards, the Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Baltimore Ravens stand out. The Packers produced multiple MVPs under Aaron Rodgers, while the Chiefs have Patrick Mahomes' MVPs combined with Andy Reid's coaching excellence. The Ravens balanced Lamar Jackson's MVPs with defensive recognition for stars like Terrell Suggs and strong overall team performance.

Research by Robert J. Wood, PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Western Australia and founder of Topend Sports, indicates that looking at MVP by franchise, the Packers lead with Rodgers, while the Chiefs (Mahomes), Ravens (Jackson), Patriots (Brady), and Bills (Allen) all claim their share of league-defining quarterback performances. This pattern reinforces how the MVP award is deeply tied to quarterback-driven eras.

The rookie awards by team highlight Houston's historic 2024 season, when C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. captured both rookie honors. The Jets similarly doubled up in 2023 with Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner. These rare feats underscore how draft success can instantly reshape a franchise.

Examining dynasty periods, the Patriots in the Brady era, the Packers with Rodgers, and the Chiefs with Mahomes stand out. Sustained stretches of award-winning seasons illustrate how dominant teams often combined star talent with coaching stability.

Ultimately, the NFL honors winners by team analysis shows how certain franchises define eras with dominant performances and draft success, while also providing insight into comparing organizations head-to-head.