NFL Honors

NFL Honors is an annual awards ceremony held by the National Football League to recognize the top performers and most impactful moments from the most recent NFL season. The televised event, typically held on the eve of the Super Bowl, serves as the premier showcase for the league's most prestigious individual accolades. Hosted by a prominent celebrity or sports personality, the ceremony features presentations from current and former NFL stars, coaches, and other notable figures.

History

The event was first established in 2012, consolidating the announcement of the league's major individual awards into a single, prime-time television special broadcast on NFL Network. Prior to its creation, award winners were often revealed through separate press releases or during other NFL programming. The inaugural ceremony was held in Indianapolis, coinciding with Super Bowl XLVI. Over the years, the production has grown in scale and viewership, moving to broadcast partners like CBS and NBC in rotation with the Super Bowl broadcast rights. The location of the ceremony always corresponds with the host city of the Super Bowl, having been held in venues such as the Fox Theatre in Atlanta and the Benedict Music Tent in Aspen.

Award categories

The ceremony presents the NFL's most coveted annual awards, headlined by the Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player and the Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year. Other major honors include the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year, the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, and the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. The event also features the AP Comeback Player of the Year, the AP Coach of the Year, and the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, which is considered one of the league's most prestigious honors for community service. Additional recognitions presented include the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Year and the Bridgestone NFL Performance Play of the Year.

Selection process

The majority of the awards presented are determined by a nationwide panel of 50 media members who cover the NFL regularly, including representatives from Associated Press, major newspapers, and digital outlets. This panel votes immediately after the conclusion of the NFL regular season. For the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, the selection involves a process that includes fan voting, finalists chosen by a committee, and a final selection by a panel of league executives. Certain awards, like the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Year, are determined exclusively by fan votes conducted through the NFL's official digital platforms. The Pro Football Hall of Fame induction class for the upcoming year is also typically announced during the broadcast.

Ceremony

The ceremony is a formal, red-carpet event produced in a theatrical style similar to other major entertainment award shows like the Academy Awards. It is hosted by notable personalities from sports and entertainment, with past hosts including Conan O'Brien, Rob Riggle, and Steve Harvey. The show features video packages highlighting nominees' seasons, live musical performances, and speeches from award winners. Presenters often include legendary figures like Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Jerry Rice, as well as current stars from teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers. The event is broadcast live on television and is also streamed on platforms like NFL+ and Paramount+.

Notable winners and records

Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams holds the record for most awards won at the ceremony, having secured the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award three times. Peyton Manning and Tom Brady have each won the Associated Press Most Valuable Player Award multiple times, with Manning earning the honor a record five times in his career with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos. In 2023, Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings became the first wide receiver since Jerry Rice to win the Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award. The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award has been bestowed upon iconic players such as Calvin Johnson, J.J. Watt, and Russell Wilson. Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs is one of only a few players to have won both the Associated Press Most Valuable Player Award and the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award in the same season.

Category:National Football League awards Category:American sports awards Category:Recurring events established in 2012