The red carpet is rolled out, the spotlights are set, and the 2026 NFL Honors are poised to light up the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco tonight. As the prelude to Super Bowl LX, this 15th annual ceremony promises to be one of the most memorable nights in league history, celebrating a season defined by veteran resurgences and rookie breakouts. With Jon Hamm taking the reins as host and Bay Area legends E-40 and Too $hort set to perform, the stage is set for a night of football royalty.

Stafford vs. Maye: A Generational Battle for MVP

While the night celebrates many achievements, the question on everyone’s mind is: Who will be crowned the NFL MVP winner 2026? This year’s race has narrowed down to a fascinating duel between two quarterbacks at opposite ends of their careers: the Los Angeles Rams' ageless wonder, Matthew Stafford, and the New England Patriots' sensation, Drake Maye.

Stafford, the odds-on favorite, turned back the clock with a mesmerizing 2025 campaign, throwing for over 4,700 yards and 46 touchdowns. His leadership revitalized the Rams, making them a formidable force in the NFC. On the other side, Drake Maye has stunned the league, leading the Patriots to a 14-3 record and nearly snatching the award with a furious late-season surge. The NFL Honors winners list will officially add one of these names to history books tonight, but the debate has already captivated the football world.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026: Icons Await the Knock

Perhaps even more anticipated than the hardware is the announcement of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. This year’s group of finalists is nothing short of legendary, headlined by first-ballot locks Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald. Both players defined their respective positions for nearly two decades and are widely expected to receive "The Knock" this evening.

However, the spotlight also shines brightly on long-waiting legends. Cincinnati Bengals greats Ken Anderson (Senior Finalist) and Willie Anderson (Modern-Era Finalist) are on the doorstep of Canton. For Ken Anderson, a former MVP himself, tonight could mark the end of a decades-long wait for gold jacket immortality. The selection committee’s decisions regarding these Bengals icons, alongside other finalists like Eli Manning, Luke Kuechly, and Terrell Suggs, will be a major talking point of the broadcast.

Defensive Dominance and Rookie Sensations

Beyond the MVP and Hall of Fame drama, several other awards appear to have clear frontrunners. Cleveland Browns superstar Myles Garrett is the heavy favorite to take home Defensive Player of the Year honors after a record-shattering 23-sack season that eclipsed Michael Strahan’s long-standing mark. His dominance was the engine of the Browns' defense and cemented his legacy as one of the all-time greats.

In the rookie categories, the buzz surrounds offensive standout Tetairoa McMillan, who is tipped to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, and defensive playmakers who have reshaped their teams. These young stars represent the future of the league, and their recognition tonight is just the beginning of their journeys.

Walter Payton Man of the Year 2026: The League’s Highest Honor

Amidst the performance-based accolades, the Walter Payton Man of the Year 2026 award remains the night’s most prestigious recognition, honoring a player’s excellence on the field and their charitable impact off it. Finalists like Ted Karras of the Cincinnati Bengals represent the heart of the NFL, dedicating countless hours to community service. The winner will be revealed in a special segment that often serves as the emotional anchor of the NFL awards tonight.

Jon Hamm Hosts a Night of Stars

Taking over hosting duties from Snoop Dogg, actor and devoted football fan Jon Hamm brings his signature charisma to the Palace of Fine Arts. Known for his role in Mad Men and his genuine love for the game—specifically his Kansas City Chiefs—Hamm is expected to deliver a monologue that balances humor with reverence for the sport. With the Super Bowl just days away, his job is to keep the energy high as the league honors its best and brightest.

As the clock ticks down to the ceremony, fans worldwide are tuning in to see who claims the top prizes. From the 2026 NFL Honors stage in San Francisco to the history books in Canton, tonight is a celebration of football excellence.