<p>Matthew Stafford made NFL history Thursday night, becoming the oldest quarterback ever to win his first MVP award at age 37. The Los Angeles Rams star claimed the trophy at the NFL Honors ceremony in San Francisco, capping a record-breaking season of 46 touchdowns and 4,707 passing yards.</p> <p>The ceremony, held at the Palace of Fine Arts just days before Super Bowl LX, recognised the league's top performers across multiple categories. Stafford's win headlined an evening that celebrated both veteran excellence and emerging rookie talent, with several records falling during what many are calling one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory.</p> <h2>Stafford Claims MVP After Historic Season at 37</h2> <p>Stafford's award represents the culmination of a 17-year career spent chasing individual recognition. His 46 passing touchdowns led the entire league, outpacing New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye by 15 scores.</p> <p>The Rams quarterback also posted a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 5.8, marking just the eighth time in NFL history that a signal-caller achieved at least 4,500 passing yards and 45 touchdowns in a single season.</p> <p>At 37, Stafford becomes the oldest quarterback to capture his first MVP trophy, proving that elite quarterback play isn't exclusive to younger players. His 4,707 passing yards topped all quarterbacks in 2025, beating Maye by 313 yards. The voting apparently wasn't particularly close when voters examined the statistical dominance he displayed throughout the season. For those interested in <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/american-football/nfl-player-awards">NFL MVP odds</a> and other player awards, Stafford's historic campaign will be the benchmark for years to come.</p> <h2>Garrett Shatters Sack Record to Win Defensive Honours</h2> <p>Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett claimed the top defensive award after breaking the single-season sack record. His 23 sacks surpassed the previous mark of 22.5 shared by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. This is a record many experts believe will stand for years.</p> <p>What makes his campaign even more remarkable was the attention he faced. Garrett encountered double teams or chip blocks on nearly 40 percent of his pass rushes, yet still recorded 33 tackles for loss, which is the second-highest total by any player since 2000.</p> <p>Despite Cleveland's disappointing 5-12 record, his individual dominance earned the award by a wide margin.</p> <h2>McMillan and Schwesinger Take Rookie Honours</h2> <p>Tetairoa McMillan of the Carolina Panthers won Offensive Rookie of the Year after a stellar debut season.</p> <p>The eighth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft led all rookies with 1,014 receiving yards, hauling in 70 catches and scoring seven touchdowns. McMillan set a new Panthers franchise rookie receiving record, providing Carolina with a legitimate number one target for years to come.</p> <p>Carson Schwesinger captured the defensive rookie award for the Cleveland Browns. The linebacker led all first-year players with 146 tackles while making an immediate impact on Cleveland's defense.</p> <h2>Vrabel Engineers Stunning Patriots Turnaround</h2> <p>New England head coach Mike Vrabel won Coach of the Year after orchestrating one of the greatest turnarounds in league history. He guided the Patriots to a 14-3 regular-season record and a <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/events/superbowl">Super Bowl betting</a> appearance in his first year: a 10-win improvement that tied the largest single-season turnaround in NFL history.</p> <p>The Patriots had suffered through back-to-back 4-13 seasons before Vrabel's arrival. His offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels also received Assistant Coach of the Year honours, highlighting the comprehensive nature of New England's resurgence. The coaching staff transformed the Patriots from playoff longshots to Super Bowl contenders in just one season.</p> <h2>McCaffrey's Return Earns Comeback Award</h2> <p>San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey earned Comeback Player of the Year after returning from injury to post 2,126 scrimmage yards and 17 total touchdowns. McCaffrey started all 19 games including playoffs, silencing critics who questioned his durability. His return to form ranks among the best comeback seasons by any running back in recent memory.</p> <h2>More Winners From the Night</h2> <p>Chicago Bears guard Joe Thuney won the inaugural Protector of the Year award after not allowing a single sack all season. Thuney earned first-team All-Pro honours for the fourth consecutive year, anchoring Chicago's offensive line during their playoff push. His contract makes him one of the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nfl/news/richest-nfl-players">highest paid NFL players</a> at his position.</p> <p>Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba claimed Offensive Player of the Year with 1,793 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. He set a Seahawks franchise record despite playing in the league's most run-heavy offence, proving elite receivers can dominate regardless of scheme.</p> <h2>Super Bowl LX: What Australian Fans Need to Know</h2> <p>Super Bowl LX kicks off Monday morning Australian time, with coverage starting at approximately 10:30 a.m. AEDT on NBC (available via NFL Game Pass and Kayo Sports in Australia). For details on <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nfl/news/how-to-watch-the-super-bowl-in-australia">how to watch the Super Bowl in Australia</a>, check out our comprehensive viewing guide. The game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara pits Vrabel's resurgent Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks.</p> <p>The ceremony set the stage for what promises to be an epic finale. Vrabel's coaching award and the Patriots' historic turnaround make New England a compelling championship story, while the Seahawks bring their own playoff pedigree to the biggest game of the year.</p> <p>The awards have been handed out. Records have fallen. Now the 2025 season reaches its ultimate conclusion with one final game.</p> <h2>Keep Reading</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/sports-novelties/super-bowl-novelties">The wildest Super Bowl prop bets you can actually place</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nfl/news/how-to-bet-on-nfl-playoffs">Everything you need to know about betting on the NFL playoffs</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nfl/news/australian-players-nfl">The Aussies who've made it to the NFL</a></li> </ul>