Matthew Stafford Captures First AP NFL MVP After Tight Two-Man Race
After 17 seasons split between Detroit and Los Angeles, Matthew Stafford earned his first Associated Press NFL MVP award, edging Drake Maye by a single first-place vote in one of the closest finishes in recent memory.
- Glenn Catubig
- 3 min read
Matthew Stafford’s career has long been defined by resilience, durability and quiet production rather than individual accolades. For years, he piled up yards and starts without the kind of recognition that typically follows elite quarterbacks.
Now, that narrative has changed. After nearly two decades in the league, the Los Angeles Rams quarterback finally added the one honor that had eluded him: the Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player award.
The 2025 race came down to the slimmest of margins. Stafford and rising star Drake Maye traded momentum throughout the season, and the final vote reflected just how divided opinions were among media members.
In the end, experience narrowly prevailed. Stafford secured the award by a single first-place vote, a result that underscored both the competitiveness of the field and the respect he has earned across the league.
1. A Photo Finish at the Top
According to voting results released by the Associated Press, Stafford finished with 366 points and 24 first-place votes. Maye followed closely with 361 points and 23 first-place nods, making it one of the closest MVP outcomes in years. Josh Allen placed third with 91 points and two first-place votes, while Christian McCaffrey and Trevor Lawrence rounded out the top five. Justin Herbert collected the lone remaining first-place selection. The razor-thin margin highlighted the contrast between the candidates. Maye’s breakout campaign fueled excitement around the league, while Stafford’s steady leadership and consistent play anchored a veteran Rams team. Ultimately, voters leaned slightly toward the quarterback who had delivered high-level football for years, rewarding sustained excellence over a single-season surge.
2. A Long Road From Detroit
Stafford’s path to the award was anything but straightforward. Selected first overall out of Georgia in 2009, he arrived in Detroit with lofty expectations and quickly became the franchise’s ironman, starting every game he played. He frequently led the league in attempts and completions, carrying heavy offensive workloads for teams that often struggled to contend. Despite the numbers, accolades were scarce, with just one Pro Bowl appearance during his Lions tenure. The lack of recognition — and limited team success — eventually prompted a change of scenery. Stafford moved to Los Angeles seeking postseason relevance and a chance to compete on the biggest stage. The decision reshaped his legacy, positioning him not only as a proven starter but as a quarterback capable of guiding a contender.
3. Respect Earned Over Time
Even with the Rams, individual honors didn’t come easily. Stafford added only a handful of Pro Bowl nods and one All-Pro selection despite steering the team through meaningful, high-pressure seasons. But his reputation continued to grow within locker rooms and front offices. Younger quarterbacks cited him as an influence, and peers viewed him as one of the league’s most dependable veterans. That respect appeared to matter when ballots were cast. Voters weighing two strong candidates may have leaned toward the quarterback whose body of work spanned nearly two decades. For Stafford, the MVP feels less like a breakthrough and more like a culmination — recognition of a career built on perseverance, production and leadership.