Home » Rams » Matthew Stafford Nominated for Huge ESPY Award

Home » Rams » Matthew Stafford Nominated for Huge ESPY Award

After winning the 2025 NFL Most Valuable Player Award last season, Los Angeles Rams veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford is up for another major award at the 2026 ESPYS.

Stafford was nominated for two awards at the 2026 ESPYS: Best Athlete in Men’s Sports and Best NFL Player.

Stafford won the Best Comeback Athlete ESPY award in 2012 after overcoming early-career shoulder injuries to throw more than 5,000 yards in a single season and lead the Detroit Lions to the playoffs.

“I just want to say how happy I am, how grateful I am to share this with the city of Detroit, which is on a comeback of its own, doing great things. It’s been through a lot,” Stafford said during his acceptance speech. “The city has been through a lot and we’re just one of the teams there trying to make them happy and proud, give them something to cheer for. So, this one is for my teammates and the city of Detroit. Thank you.”

Stafford led the Rams to the NFC Championship last season. With the Super Bowl set to take place on the team’s turf at SoFi Stadium, Stafford is looking to bring another championship back to Los Angeles next season.

Who is Stafford Up Against For Each Award?

For the Best Athlete in Men’s Sports Award, Stafford is facing some tough competition: New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson, Inter Miami CF legend Lionel Messi and Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani.

Brunson led the Knicks to the franchise’s first NBA championship in 53 years and scored 45 points in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs to clinch the title. Meanwhile, Ohtani has won two World Series championships with the Dodgers in two seasons and is the only active two-way player in MLB.

Messi is arguably the most decorated player in soccer history. He is currently undefeated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Argentina and helped the country qualify for the Round of 32. In this year’s tournament, Messi set the all-time record for career World Cup goals with 18.

For the Best NFL Player Award, Stafford is up against current teammate Myles Garrett, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.

Before joining the Rams this offseason, Garrett broke the NFL single-season sack record with 23 sacks during his final season with the Cleveland Browns.

Stafford went head-to-head with Maye for the NFL MVP Award last season, and Smith-Njigba led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl championship and won the 2025 AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award.

Sam Garcia

Most read

UCLA Stars Nominated for ESPY Awards

Deandre Ayton Reaches Decision on $8 Million Player Option: Report

Chargers’ Quentin Johnston ‘Fired Up’ for Season Under Mike McDaniel

Angels Fire GM Perry Minasian in First Major Move Amid Calls for Organizational Change

Lakers’ Center Search Gets Boost After Mitchell Robinson Update

Source: Lasportsreport.com