2025 NFL MVP Award: Josh Allen Edges Lamar Jackson in Historic Close Race

 2025 NFL MVP Award: Josh Allen Edges Lamar Jackson in Historic Close Race

The 2025 NFL Honors ceremony in New Orleans crowned Buffalo Bills quarterback **Josh Allen** as the **AP NFL Most Valuable Player**, marking his first MVP win in a fiercely contested battle against Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. The decision, announced on February 7, highlighted one of the closest MVP races in league history, with Allen securing 27 first-place votes (383 total points) to Jackson’s 23 first-place votes (362 points) .  

 Key Highlights of the MVP Race  

1. **Statistical Showdown**:  

   Allen led the Bills to their fifth consecutive AFC East title, throwing for **3,731 yards, 28 touchdowns**, and six interceptions, while adding **531 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns**—a league-first feat of five straight seasons with 40+ total touchdowns . Jackson, meanwhile, posted career-highs in passing yards (**4,172**), touchdowns (**41**), and a league-best **119.6 passer rating** . Despite Jackson’s dominance in All-Pro voting (30 first-team votes vs. Allen’s 18), nine voters split their ballots, prioritizing Allen’s dual-threat impact for MVP .  

2. **Historical Context**:  

   This marked the closest MVP vote since 2016, when Matt Ryan edged Tom Brady. Allen’s win also broke a 37-year streak where the first-team All-Pro quarterback won MVP—the last exception being 1987 (John Elway over Joe Montana) .  

3. **Allen’s Emotional Speech**:  

   In his acceptance speech, Allen thanked his family, fiancée Hailee Steinfeld, and even Bills staffer “Slick Rick,” closing with his signature line: *“Be good, do good, God bless, and go Bills”* .  

 Other Major Award Winners at the 2025 NFL Honors  

- **Coach of the Year**: Minnesota Vikings’ **Kevin O’Connell**, who led the team to 14 wins despite preseason skepticism .  

- **Defensive Player of the Year**: Denver Broncos cornerback **Patrick Surtain II**, securing 26 first-place votes .  

- **Offensive Rookie of the Year**: Commanders QB **Jayden Daniels**, who earned 49 of 50 first-place votes after a record-breaking season .  

- **Comeback Player of the Year**: Bengals QB **Joe Burrow**, who returned from wrist surgery to lead the NFL in passing yards (4,918) and touchdowns (43) .  

Reaction and Controversy  

The MVP decision sparked debates, particularly due to Jackson’s superior passing stats and All-Pro recognition. Analysts noted that while Jackson’s regular-season performance was statistically dominant, Allen’s leadership and versatility tipped the scales . Social media buzzed with comparisons to past MVP controversies, including the 2003 co-MVP award shared by Peyton Manning and Steve McNair .  

 Hall of Fame Inductees and Special Honors  

The Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2025 included tight end **Antonio Gates**, defensive ends **Jared Allen** and **Eric Allen**, and wide receiver **Sterling Sharpe**, forming the smallest induction group in two decades . Meanwhile, Jaguars’ **Arik Armstead** won the **Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award** for his community impact .  

 Conclusion  

The 2025 NFL Honors underscored the league’s competitive parity and celebrated standout performances across roles. While Allen’s MVP win will remain a talking point, the evening also highlighted rising stars like Jayden Daniels and veterans like Surtain II, setting the stage for an electrifying Super Bowl 59 weekend in New Orleans .  

*For detailed voting breakdowns and award histories, visit the Associated Press or Sporting News coverage .*