Most NFL Most Valuable Player awards have been won by players in their 20s. However, several quarterbacks have captured the honor later in their careers. Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford played the 2025 season at 37 years old and finished among the leading candidates for the award.
Rams QB Matthew Stafford Chases Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers’ Territory
Tom Brady is the oldest player to win the NFL MVP award, earning it at 40 during the 2017 season as a New England Patriot. Brady threw for 4,577 yards and 32 touchdowns that year and remains the only player to win the honor at 40 or older.
Aaron Rodgers is next on the list after winning the 2021 MVP at 38 with Green Bay. Rodgers won back-to-back MVPs in 2021 and 2020.
Stafford completed the 2025 regular season at 37. Peyton Manning won the 2013 MVP at 37 with Denver. Rich Gannon in 2002 and Y.A. Tittle in 1963 also won the award at 37 years old.
Other quarterbacks who won in their mid-30s include Fran Tarkenton and John Brodie at 35. Joe Montana, Joe Theismann, Earl Morrall, Johnny Unitas, and Norm Van Brocklin all won at 34.
This season, Stafford had one of the best years of his career. He ranked 6th in the PFSN NFL QB Impact Metric. His 46 passing touchdowns and 4,707 yards led the NFL.
Rams coach Sean McVay addressed Stafford’s future on February 2 after his contract extension was made official. McVay told reporters he hopes the quarterback wants to continue playing. Stafford will turn 38 this month, and the decision on whether he returns in 2026 has not been announced.
Still, Stafford’s season, which could conclude with his first MVP award Thursday night, did not reach the heights of previous winners. Manning set single-season records with 5,477 yards and 55 touchdowns at age 37 in 2013. Rodgers threw 48 touchdowns in 2020 at 37 and followed with 37 touchdowns and 4 interceptions at 38 in 2021.
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The NFL will hand out its major awards Thursday night during the annual NFL Honors show, the league’s signature event leading into Super Bowl weekend.
The ceremony features the announcement of the Associated Press MVP, Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year awards, and other season honors. A panel of 50 media voters determines winners, and the results remain sealed until they are revealed on stage.
Stafford is reaching the age where retirement is a real possibility. But in terms of the oldest quarterbacks in league history, he could keep playing for several more seasons if his body holds up.
