Fri Feb 07 12:20:00 UTC 2025: ## NFL Honors 2024: Allen Takes MVP, Surtain Shines on Defense, and Rookies Impress

**New Orleans, LA** – The NFL celebrated its best and brightest at the NFL Honors ceremony Thursday night, with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen pulling off a major upset to claim the coveted Most Valuable Player award. Allen edged out Lamar Jackson for the honor, becoming only the third player to win MVP without being named first-team All-Pro. His outstanding season, marked by a career-low in turnovers and a record-tying 13 players catching touchdown passes, solidified his place among the league’s elite. Coach Sean McDermott lauded Allen’s consistent leadership as key to the Bills’ success.

Other notable award winners included:

* **Offensive Player of the Year:** Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles), who narrowly missed breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record. The Eagles’ decision to build their offense around Barkley’s running game proved highly successful.

* **Defensive Player of the Year:** Patrick Surtain II (Denver Broncos), the first cornerback to win the award in five years. Surtain’s exceptional coverage skills, highlighted by remarkably low receiving yards allowed, made him a cornerstone of the Broncos’ defense.

* **Offensive Rookie of the Year:** Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders), who set numerous rookie quarterback records, including rushing yards and fourth-quarter/overtime touchdown passes. His impressive performance led the Commanders to a conference championship game appearance.

* **Defensive Rookie of the Year:** Jared Verse (Los Angeles Rams), the Rams’ first first-round pick since 2016. Verse made an immediate impact, ranking high in quarterback pressures and earning a Pro Bowl selection.

* **Coach of the Year:** Kevin O’Connell (Minnesota Vikings), who defied low preseason expectations to lead the Vikings to a highly successful season, exceeding their projected win total by a significant margin.

* **Comeback Player of the Year:** Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals), who overcame a season-ending wrist injury to lead the league in passing yards and touchdowns, delivering the best season of his career.

The awards ceremony served as a prelude to Super Bowl LIX, pitting the Kansas City Chiefs against the Philadelphia Eagles. The NFL Honors showcased not only individual excellence but also the remarkable achievements of teams and coaches across the league.

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