The best of the NFL gathered at the Saenger Theatre for Thursday’s NFL Honors before the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles clash in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The night saw major surprises, record-breaking seasons, and some dominant performances that shaped the league.
Here’s a complete rundown of the NFL Honors Award winners from the 2024 NFL season.
NFL MVP: Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen won his first MVP award, becoming only the third player since 1957 to win it despite not being a first-team All-Pro. Allen led the Bills to 13 wins and an AFC Championship Game appearance while focusing on ball security. He threw for 28 touchdowns, rushed for 12 more, and had just six interceptions and two fumbles—the only turnovers by Buffalo’s offense. He extended his NFL record with five straight seasons of 40+ passing and rushing touchdowns combined. Head coach Sean McDermott praised Allen’s leadership as the most significant factor in the team’s success.
Never watched NFL Honors.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 7, 2025
But I had to watch this one.
And not ashamed to say I teared up watching @JoshAllenQB win that award.
The freaking man. He deserves this so much.
And I can’t wait to see him hold the Lombardi and SB MVP trophy someday soon.
Go Bills. 🦬 pic.twitter.com/MDqcCnYrnc
Coach of the Year: Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings
Kevin O’Connell led the Vikings to a 14-win season, far surpassing expectations. ESPN Analytics projected Minnesota to win just 6.5 games after transitioning from Kirk Cousins to Sam Darnold and rookie J.J. McCarthy. By Week 9, the Vikings had already exceeded that mark. O’Connell became the second coach in NFL history to record two seasons of 13+ wins in his first three years. His 9-1 record in one-score games elevated his career mark to 26-9, the second-best winning percentage in such situations in NFL history.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jared Verse, Edge, Los Angeles Rams
Jared Verse made an immediate impact in his first season, stepping up in a Rams defense that lost Aaron Donald to retirement. The first-round pick recorded 4.5 sacks, 66 tackles, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Verse ranked fourth in the league in quarterback pressures with 76-20 more than any other rookie. He was the Rams’ only Pro Bowler, and head coach Sean McVay praised his charisma, toughness, and rapid growth throughout the season.
Comeback Player of the Year: Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
After suffering a season-ending wrist injury in 2023, Joe Burrow returned to have the best year of his career. He led the NFL in passing yards (4,918) and touchdowns (43), finishing third in Total QBR (74.7). Burrow became the second player ever to win Comeback Player of the Year twice, joining Chad Pennington. In December, Burrow acknowledged the irony of competing for the award but expressed pride in winning it again.
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Congrats to the NFL Honors award winners 🏆 pic.twitter.com/eFho9E4ClG
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) February 7, 2025
Also Read: 6 Things You Should About Brock Bowers Who Earned AP NFL All-Pro First Honors
Offensive Player of the Year: Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Saquon Barkley delivered a historic season, nearly breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record. He became the ninth player ever to rush for 2,000 yards, finishing just 100 yards shy of the record (2,105). Barkley scored seven touchdowns of 60+ yards, the most in a single season. The Eagles revamped their offense during the Week 5 bye to focus on Barkley’s running, leading to a 10-game winning streak and a 14-3 record. General manager Howie Roseman said Barkley’s dominance didn’t surprise him, calling him one of the best players he’s ever seen.
Defensive Player of the Year: Pat Surtain II, CB, Denver Broncos
Pat Surtain II shut down elite receivers all season, making him the first cornerback in five years to win Defensive Player of the Year in NFL Honors. He allowed just 306 receiving yards- the fewest in the league among players with at least 375 coverage snaps. His coverage held Ja’Marr Chase to 27 yards and DK Metcalf to 29. Surtain tied his career-high with four interceptions and led the league in interception return yards (132). Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph credited Surtain as the foundation of Denver’s defense.
Today, there will be a graphic with this man for DPOY showing him the winner of the NFL Honor and not just the Fox honor. pic.twitter.com/aHvFVzA3TS
— Sean Baldwin (@SeanBaldwinX) February 6, 2025
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels had one of the greatest rookie seasons ever, leading the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game. He rushed for 891 yards- breaking the record for rookie quarterbacks- while throwing for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns. Daniels finished fourth in Total QBR and led five game-winning drives, including one in the playoffs. His 12 fourth-quarter and overtime touchdown passes set an NFL rookie record. In September, he became the first quarterback in league history to complete at least 85% of passes in back-to-back games.
He’s only a rookie? Shouts out to Jayden Daniels, your Offensive Rookie of the Year. pic.twitter.com/wHV0yBKIaJ
— Nike Football (@usnikefootball) February 7, 2025
Assistant Coach of the Year: Ben Johnson, Offensive Coordinator, Detroit Lions
Ben Johnson, now the Chicago Bears’ head coach, helped the Lions set a franchise record with 15 wins and an NFC North title. Johnson’s offensive creativity turned Detroit into a powerhouse. Players praised his ability to read defenses and design plays, with wide receiver Jameson Williams likening his approach to playing Madden. Johnson’s influence was a major factor in the Lions securing the NFC’s No. 1 seed.
The 2024 NFL season featured unforgettable performances, breakout stars, and record-breaking moments. These NFL Honors Award winners defined the season and set the stage for what’s next in the league.
Also Read: Bill Belichick Showed Up To NFL Honors With His 24-Year-Old Girlfriend
