The NFLâs brightest stars lit up New Orleans on February 6, 2025, as the league celebrated its annual NFL Honors ceremony at the iconic Saenger Theater. Hosted by rap legend Snoop Dogg, the event recognized standout performances from the 2024 season, unveiled the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025, and delivered unforgettable moments both on and off the red carpet 511. Hereâs a breakdown of the nightâs biggest highlights.
Top Award Winners: MVP Allen, Coach OâConnell, and Breakout Rookies
The eveningâs most anticipated award, the AP NFL Most Valuable Player, went to Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. Allen edged out two-time MVP Lamar Jackson in the closest vote since 2016, earning 27 first-place votes to Jacksonâs 23 2. Allenâs dual-threat dominanceâ3,731 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and a league-record fifth straight season with 40+ total TDsâsealed the win, despite Jacksonâs career-high 4,172 passing yards and 41 touchdowns 212.
Kevin OâConnell took home Coach of the Year honors after leading the Minnesota Vikings to a 14-win season, defying preseason predictions of a last-place NFC North finish. OâConnell credited mentorship from Bill Belichick for his success, calling him âthe greatest coach of all timeâ 2.
Other standout winners included:
- Offensive Player of the Year: Saquon Barkley (Eagles), who rushed for 2,000+ yards and nearly broke Eric Dickersonâs single-season record 212.
- Defensive Player of the Year: Patrick Surtain II (Broncos), a lockdown cornerback following in his fatherâs footsteps 1.
- Comeback Player of the Year: Joe Burrow (Bengals), who rebounded from wrist surgery to lead the NFL in passing yards (4,918) and touchdowns (43)Â 2.
- Rookie Honors: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels (Offensive) and Rams DE Jared Verse (Defensive), who dominated with 77 pressures and 18 QB hits 12.
Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025: A Historic Induction
The Hall of Fame welcomed its smallest class in two decades, with only four inductees: tight end Antonio Gates, defensive ends Jared Allen and Eric Allen, and wide receiver Sterling Sharpe 411. The streamlined selection process, designed to raise the bar for entry, notably left out two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning, sparking debates among fans 24.
Sterling Sharpeâs induction made history: he and his brother Shannon became the first siblings enshrined in Canton. âThis isnât just my momentâitâs ours,â Sharpe said during the ceremony 2.
Red Carpet Fashion: Stars Shine in the Big Easy
Celebrities and athletes turned heads with bold style choices. Josh Allen and actress Hailee Steinfeld coordinated in sleek black outfits for their red carpet debut, while Lions QB Jared Goff and wife Christen Harper announced her pregnancy in a form-fitting burgundy gown 6.
Other standout looks included:
- George Kittle (49ers) and wife Claire in matching navy suits.
- Terry Crews in a vibrant patterned blazer.
- Snoop Dogg, the host, rocking a custom gold-and-black tracksuit 56.
The event also honored off-field contributions, with Jaguars DL Arik Armstead winning the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award for his community work 2.
Emotional Highlights and Fan Moments
- Steve Gleasonâs Inspiring Speech: The former Saints player, battling ALS, hosted a pre-event golf fundraiser and delivered a heartfelt message about resilience: âI chose to live with purpose, and because of you, weâre proving thereâs no white flagâ 2.
- Randy Mossâs Cancer Battle: The Hall of Famer appeared via video to announce the Comeback Player of the Year award, sharing his ongoing fight against bile duct cancer and receiving a standing ovation 2.
- Fan of the Year: Lions superfan Megan Stefanski won the honor, celebrating Detroitâs record-breaking 15-win season 2.
Controversies and Snubs
While the night celebrated achievements, debates lingered. Lamar Jacksonâs MVP snubâdespite earning more All-Pro votes than Allenâhighlighted the subjective nature of the awards 2. Similarly, Eli Manningâs Hall of Fame exclusion frustrated fans, though the league emphasized the new induction criteria prioritize âelite legacies over volumeâ 4.
Looking Ahead to Super Bowl LIX
The Honors set the stage for Super Bowl LIX, where the Philadelphia Eagles will face the Kansas City Chiefs in a rematch of their 2023 thriller. With Snoop Doggâs charismatic hosting and a star-studded audience, the NFL proved once again why its awards night rivals Hollywoodâs biggest events 711.
Final Takeaway
The 2025 NFL Honors blended glitz, grit, and heartfelt storytelling, honoring both on-field excellence and the human spirit. From Josh Allenâs MVP triumph to Sterling Sharpeâs historic induction, the night encapsulated the drama and passion that define the NFL. For fans, it was a reminder: football isnât just a gameâitâs a celebration of perseverance, community, and unforgettable moments.