“Stafford started the season with passes into the hands of the opposition; he’s the luckiest MVP in history!” These were the sharp words of Patriots star Drake Maye after narrowly losing the MVP race for the 2025 season by just one vote. Maye, who had been one of the front-runners for the award, was visibly frustrated with the results, believing that Stafford’s inconsistency and mistakes throughout the year should have disqualified him from such a prestigious honor.

The MVP vote, which had been one of the most hotly contested of the year, saw Stafford’s name at the top, but Maye’s comments made it clear that he didn’t believe Stafford’s performance warranted the recognition. According to Maye, Stafford’s struggles with turnovers, particularly in key moments of crucial games, were enough to discredit his candidacy for MVP. He pointed out the games where Stafford had been intercepted multiple times, and how those mistakes had almost cost the Rams pivotal victories.

While Maye admitted Stafford was a talented quarterback, he believed the MVP award should go to someone whose performance didn’t involve such critical errors, especially in games that could decide playoff implications.

Drake Maye’s frustration was evident, not just in his words but in the way he expressed his belief that the MVP award had been more about reputation than actual performance. “When you give the MVP to someone who falters in big moments, it’s not about the numbers—it’s about the image,” Maye said. The Patriots star was of the opinion that Stafford’s MVP win was a product of his name recognition and his reputation in the league rather than his actual impact on his team’s success in the 2025 season.

Maye, who had been one of the most consistent and effective quarterbacks of the season, found it difficult to accept that someone he considered less deserving was receiving the highest individual honor in the league. His critique wasn’t just aimed at Stafford, but also at the voting process that, in his opinion, had failed to properly assess the true value of a player’s performance over the course of the season. For Maye, the MVP should go to someone who performs well consistently, especially when the stakes are the highest.

Stafford’s mistakes, according to Maye, were enough to taint his entire campaign for the award.

The comments from Maye quickly gained traction on social media and throughout the sports world. Fans and analysts began debating whether Maye had a valid point about Stafford’s MVP candidacy. Many supported Maye’s view, claiming that Stafford’s turnover issues were a major factor in the Rams’ inability to win crucial games and make a deeper playoff run. Stafford, for all his talent, had shown moments of vulnerability in key moments, particularly when under pressure.

Some believed that giving him the MVP was more about his status in the league and his ability to bounce back from previous setbacks rather than an accurate reflection of his impact this season. Others, however, defended Stafford’s win, citing his overall statistics, leadership, and ability to elevate his team despite facing adversity. The debate over Stafford’s MVP win highlighted a deeper issue in how players are evaluated in the league—whether the MVP should be about individual performance alone or whether team success and consistency should factor into the equation.

As the controversy surrounding the MVP vote continued to unfold, Rams head coach Sean McVay was quick to defend his quarterback and put an end to the criticism from Maye. McVay, known for his calm demeanor and sharp football mind, wasted no time addressing the comments. “Matthew Stafford has worked harder than anyone to get to this point,” McVay stated firmly. He made it clear that Stafford’s performance throughout the season, despite the occasional mistakes, had been crucial to the Rams’ success. McVay didn’t shy away from defending his quarterback against what he saw as unfair accusations.

“It’s easy to point to a couple of mistakes in a long season, but if you look at the bigger picture, Stafford’s leadership and resilience have been unmatched,” McVay said. He argued that Stafford’s ability to continue pushing forward and guiding his team, even after faltering in a few key moments, was what made him a true MVP. McVay emphasized that Stafford’s contribution to the team went far beyond just his individual stats, pointing to his leadership on the field and his ability to rally his teammates when things weren’t going well.

“Stafford has had his ups and downs, but every great player does,” McVay continued. “What matters is how you respond, and Stafford has responded like a champion.”

McVay’s response was not just a defense of Stafford, but also a statement about what makes a true leader in the NFL. His comments highlighted the importance of resilience and mental toughness, qualities that McVay believed were vital to a quarterback’s success. Stafford had faced many challenges throughout his career, and this season was no different. But through it all, he had remained focused, driven, and determined to help the Rams achieve their goals. “MVPs aren’t just awarded for flawless seasons,” McVay said.

“They’re awarded to players who rise above the challenges, who lead when it counts, and who make those around them better.” McVay’s defense of Stafford was not just about defending his player—it was about reaffirming the values that had brought the Rams to the top and ensuring that those values would continue to guide them going forward.

McVay’s words didn’t just silence Maye’s criticisms, but they also served as a reminder of the strength of the relationship between Stafford and his coach. The trust between the two was evident in McVay’s unwavering support, and Stafford was quick to acknowledge how much that trust meant to him. “I’ve been fortunate to play for a coach who believes in me, even when things aren’t perfect,” Stafford said in response to McVay’s defense.

“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I’m focused on what’s ahead.” Stafford’s confidence, bolstered by McVay’s support, was evident as he turned his attention toward the Rams’ future, knowing that the MVP award was just one piece of a much larger puzzle. The team’s ultimate goal was not to win individual accolades, but to win championships, and Stafford was committed to doing whatever it took to lead the Rams to the Super Bowl.

As the Rams prepared for the postseason, the debate over Stafford’s MVP win seemed to fade into the background. The team was focused on the task at hand, and Stafford’s leadership, as always, would be crucial in guiding them through the high-pressure games that lay ahead. McVay’s words of support for Stafford resonated with the entire team, reaffirming their belief in their quarterback and their commitment to each other. While critics may continue to debate the validity of Stafford’s MVP win, it was clear that the Rams were fully behind their leader.

Stafford, for his part, remained focused on what really mattered: winning the ultimate prize. The MVP award was a nice accolade, but it was the Super Bowl that Stafford truly wanted, and he was determined to do everything in his power to bring another championship to Los Angeles.

The controversy over Stafford’s MVP win may have sparked some heated exchanges, but in the end, it only highlighted the passion and commitment of both Stafford and McVay. The Rams, with their eyes set firmly on the postseason, were ready to face whatever challenges came their way. Stafford had proven himself as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, and with the support of McVay and his teammates, he was poised to continue his quest for greatness.

The MVP may have been the recognition Stafford deserved for his remarkable season, but it was the Super Bowl ring that would truly define his legacy. And with Stafford leading the charge, the Rams were more than ready to make that dream a reality.