Who Is the Host of NFL Honors 2026? All About Jon Hamm’s Career and Accolades

Hollywood star actor Jon Hamm has been tapped to host the 15th annual NFL Honors. The event will take place on Thursday, Feb. 5, at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, California. NFL Network and NBC will both air the event live at 9 p.m. ET and 8 p.m. CT.

Jon Hamm Will Host NFL Honors 2026

An hour before the event starts, the event will begin its red carpet show. Hamm will take on the hosting duties from last year’s host, Snoop Dogg, an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

The news comes after the “Mad Men” actor, an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan, introduced his team before their matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59. Per PFSN’s NFL Quarterback Impact Metric, Patrick Mahomes threw 22 touchdowns to 11 interceptions that season.

In a statement on NBC Bay Area, Hamm said, “Week after week, the NFL delivers performances that remind you why this game means so much to so many people. I’m honored to host an evening that celebrates the players, their immense talents, and the unforgettable moments that defined this season.”

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NFL Vice President of Original Content and Entertainment Angela Ellis said, “We’re thrilled to have Jon Hamm host NFL Honors, as we mark the show’s 15th year. His impressive active career, passionate football fandom, and overall charisma will create an unforgettable night that celebrates the very best of the league, from the performances on the field to the people and stories that define the season.”

In addition, the ceremony will debut the first-ever Protector of the Year Award, a new accolade to name the NFL’s best offensive lineman. Plus, a group of ex-NFL offensive linemen will select the winner. The group includes Will Shields, LeCharles Bentley, Shaun O’Hara, Orlando Pace, Andrew Whitworth, and Jason Kelce.

Who Is Hamm?

Hamm is an Emmy Award-winning Hollywood actor and producer. The star is well known for his role as Don Draper in the AMC drama series Mad Men. Hamm’s role for the series earned him two Golden Globe Awards and eight Primetime Emmy Awards.

Also, Hamm is not a stranger to performing in front of live audiences, which is no surprise considering his tenure as an actor. He has hosted several award shows and Saturday Night Live. Throughout his career, Hamm has expanded his talents in voice acting and film, with performances in The Town, Bridesmaids, and Shrek Forever After.

He is set to star in the Disney/Pixar science fiction action comedy animated film Hoppers, which will hit theaters on March 6. While there are front-runners for the big awards, categories like Defensive Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Offensive Rookie of the Year still remain competitive for selections.

Standout players who are strong candidates include the Carolina Panthers’ rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who will be playing in the Super Bowl next Sunday, and the Cleveland Browns’ defensive end Myles Garrett.

The event will also stream on NFL+ and Peacock. Super Bowl LX will be played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Feb. 8, with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET.

NFL Honors 2026 Award Finalists and the Races Worth Watching

The headline race is MVP, and it’s tighter than most outlets are letting on. Matthew Stafford threw for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns for the Rams and earned first-team All-Pro honors. But Drake Maye led the NFL in completion percentage (72%), yards per attempt (8.9), passer rating (113.5) and expected points added per dropback (0.28). Last year, Josh Allen won MVP over first-team All-Pro Lamar Jackson, so the precedent exists for voters to split from the All-Pro selection. Allen is also a finalist, alongside Trevor Lawrence and Christian McCaffrey.

Defensive Player of the Year is as close to a lock as these things get. Myles Garrett set the single-season sack record with 23, turning a modest start through six games into a historically dominant second half. Will Anderson Jr., Nik Bonitto, Aidan Hutchinson and Micah Parsons round out the field, but this is Garrett’s award to lose.

MORE: Did Tyler Shough Win Rookie of the Year?

The Offensive Player of the Year category features a genuine three-way argument. Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the NFL in receiving yards (1,793) and posted 16 games with at least 70 receiving yards, tying a single-season record. Puka Nacua led the league in receptions (129) and receiving yards per game (107.2). McCaffrey topped all players in touches (413) and finished second in yards from scrimmage.

Here are the full finalists across all categories:

• MVP: Josh Allen (Bills), Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars), Drake Maye (Patriots), Christian McCaffrey (49ers), Matthew Stafford (Rams)
• Offensive Player of the Year: Drake Maye (Patriots), Christian McCaffrey (49ers), Puka Nacua (Rams), Bijan Robinson (Falcons), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks)
• Defensive Player of the Year: Will Anderson Jr. (Texans), Nik Bonitto (Broncos), Myles Garrett (Browns), Aidan Hutchinson (Lions), Micah Parsons (Packers)
• Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jaxson Dart (Giants), Emeka Egbuka (Buccaneers), TreVeyon Henderson (Patriots), Tetairoa McMillan (Panthers), Tyler Shough (Saints)
• Defensive Rookie of the Year: Abdul Carter (Giants), Nick Emmanwori (Seahawks), James Pearce Jr. (Falcons), Carson Schwesinger (Browns), Xavier Watts (Falcons)
• Comeback Player of the Year: Stefon Diggs (Patriots), Aidan Hutchinson (Lions), Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars), Christian McCaffrey (49ers), Dak Prescott (Cowboys)
• Coach of the Year: Liam Coen (Jaguars), Ben Johnson (Bears), Mike Macdonald (Seahawks), Kyle Shanahan (49ers), Mike Vrabel (Patriots)
• Assistant Coach of the Year: Vic Fangio (Eagles), Brian Flores (Vikings), Vance Joseph (Broncos), Klint Kubiak (Seahawks), Josh McDaniels (Patriots)
• Protector of the Year (Inaugural): Garett Bolles (Broncos), Aaron Brewer (Dolphins), Creed Humphrey (Chiefs), Quinn Meinerz (Broncos), Penei Sewell (Lions), Joe Thuney (Bears)