As the NFL season nears its grand finale, the league gathered at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans to celebrate the top performers of the 2024-25 season. Before the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles clash in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome, the NFL Honors showcased the players and coaches who left their mark on the game.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen secured the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in a closely contested race against Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was named Offensive Player of the Year after a dominant season, while Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II earned Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels capped off a remarkable debut season with the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, and Los Angeles Rams edge rusher Jared Verse became the team’s first Defensive Rookie of the Year winner since Aaron Donald in 2014.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell won Coach of the Year after leading his team to an unexpected 14-win season. Meanwhile, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was named Comeback Player of the Year following his return from a wrist injury that sidelined him in 2023.
Here’s a closer look at this season’s biggest winners:
Most Valuable Player (MVP): Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen finally claimed his first MVP award after a stellar season in which he led Buffalo to a 13-4 record and an AFC Championship Game appearance. Allen significantly reduced his turnovers, throwing only six interceptions while still showcasing his signature playmaking ability. He recorded 28 passing touchdowns and 12 rushing scores, extending his record to five consecutive seasons with at least 40 combined passing and rushing touchdowns.
Despite missing out on first-team All-Pro honors, Allen’s leadership and consistent excellence made him the league’s most valuable player. “Josh’s leadership was the biggest reason for our success,” said Bills head coach Sean McDermott.
Coach of the Year: Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings
Entering the season with low expectations, the Vikings surprised everyone by winning 14 games under Kevin O’Connell’s leadership. With a quarterback transition from Kirk Cousins to Sam Darnold and rookie J.J. McCarthy recovering from injury, O’Connell instilled belief in his team, leading them to a 9-1 record in one-score games.
His ability to maximize his roster’s potential made him just the second coach in NFL history to achieve multiple 13-win seasons in his first three years. His .743 win percentage in close games is the second highest in league history.
Also Read: Lakers Acquire Mark Williams from Hornets in Trade Deadline Deal
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jared Verse, Edge, Los Angeles Rams
The Rams’ first first-round pick since 2016, Verse made an immediate impact, helping his team remain competitive despite the retirement of Aaron Donald. The rookie edge rusher recorded 4.5 sacks, 66 tackles, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries, finishing fourth in the NFL in quarterback pressures. His 76 pressures were 20 more than the next rookie on the list.
Head coach Sean McVay praised his relentless effort: “He has great charisma and toughness. He’s growing with every game.”
Comeback Player of the Year: Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
After missing most of the 2023 season due to a wrist injury, Joe Burrow returned in dominant fashion, leading the league in passing yards (4,918) and passing touchdowns (43). He also ranked third in Total QBR (74.7), proving he was back at the top of his game.
Burrow joins Chad Pennington as the only two-time winners of the award since 1998, having previously claimed it in 2021 after recovering from a knee injury. “It’s not the award you want to be up for, but if you’re in contention, you might as well win it,” Burrow said.
Offensive Player of the Year: Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
In his first season with the Eagles, Barkley delivered a historic performance, finishing just 100 yards shy of Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record (2,105 yards). The explosive back had seven touchdown runs of 60 yards or more, the most ever in a single season.
His impact was a major factor in Philadelphia’s 14-3 record, with the team shifting to a more run-heavy approach midway through the season. “I’d like to say he exceeded expectations, but he’s always been one of the best players I’ve seen,” Eagles GM Howie Roseman said.
Defensive Player of the Year: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Denver Broncos
Surtain locked down opposing receivers all season, surrendering the fewest receiving yards (306) among all cornerbacks with at least 375 coverage snaps. He also tied his career-high with four interceptions and led the league in interception return yards (132).
His ability to shadow top receivers and take them out of the game was unmatched, making him the first cornerback to win the award in five years. “Pat is at the center of everything we do,” said Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders
Daniels made history in his rookie season, leading the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game. He rushed for 891 yards, the most ever by a rookie quarterback, while also throwing for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns. His five game-winning drives, including one in the playoffs, highlighted his poise under pressure.
Daniels also set an NFL record by throwing more fourth-quarter and overtime touchdowns (12) than any rookie in history. He is the sixth rookie quarterback to lead his team to a conference championship game.
Assistant Coach of the Year: Ben Johnson, OC, Detroit Lions
Now the head coach of the Chicago Bears, Ben Johnson played a pivotal role in Detroit’s best season in franchise history. Under his guidance, the Lions won 15 games and secured the NFC’s No. 1 seed for the first time.
Johnson’s innovative offensive schemes allowed Detroit to thrive, and players praised his deep understanding of the game. “He just knows what to call for a certain defense,” said Lions receiver Jameson Williams.
Looking Ahead to Super Bowl LIX
As the NFL season reaches its climax, all eyes are now on the Super Bowl showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. With both teams featuring MVP-caliber talent, the stage is set for an unforgettable championship game.
The 2025 NFL Honors celebrated the league’s best, and with the Super Bowl on the horizon, fans can expect more history to be made on football’s biggest stage.