Christian McCaffrey has made history as the first player to be a finalist for three Associated Press NFL awards in a single season. He joins quarterbacks Josh Allen, Trevor Lawrence, Drake Maye, and Matthew Stafford in contention for the prestigious 2025 AP NFL Most Valuable Player award. The winners of these awards will be unveiled during the “NFL Honors” ceremony scheduled for February 5, 2025.
A nationwide panel of 50 sports media members, who regularly cover the league, conducted the voting prior to the playoffs. The accounting firm of Lutz and Carr tabulated the results. Each voter submitted a top five selection for the eight AP NFL awards, with first-place votes valued at 10 points, while second through fifth places received 5, 3, 2, and 1 points respectively.
Finalists for the Major Awards
The finalists for the Most Valuable Player award include Allen, the reigning MVP, who passed for 3,668 yards, with 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, achieving a passer rating of 102.2. His performance led the Buffalo Bills to their seventh consecutive playoff appearance, although they were eliminated by the Denver Broncos in the divisional round.
Lawrence played a pivotal role in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ successful season, throwing for 4,007 yards and 29 touchdowns, contributing to their 13-win season and an AFC South title. McCaffrey, an All-Purpose All-Pro, showcased his versatility by rushing for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns while also catching 102 passes for 924 yards and seven touchdowns. His efforts were crucial in leading the injury-plagued San Francisco 49ers to a 12-win season.
Maye emerged as a standout with 4,394 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions, steering the New England Patriots to the AFC East title and a spot in the AFC Championship game. Stafford led the league with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns, marking a significant achievement in his 17-year career.
Other notable finalists include Liam Coen, Ben Johnson, Mike Macdonald, Kyle Shanahan, and Mike Vrabel for the Coach of the Year award, each having guided their respective teams to impressive seasons.
Additional Award Categories and Notable Performances
The finalists for the Comeback Player of the Year include Lawrence, McCaffrey, and notable players such as Stefon Diggs, Aidan Hutchinson, and Dak Prescott. For the Defensive Player of the Year, candidates include All-Pro edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., who recorded 12 sacks, and Myles Garrett, who set a single-season record with 23 sacks.
In the offensive categories, Puka Nacua, Bijan Robinson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba join McCaffrey and Maye as finalists for Offensive Player of the Year. Nacua led the NFL with 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Robinson topped the league with 2,298 yards from scrimmage.
As the NFL season culminates with the announcement of these awards, the competition remains fierce, showcasing a remarkable blend of talent and determination across the league. The upcoming “NFL Honors” will not only recognize individual excellence but also celebrate the remarkable achievements of teams and players throughout the season.
