The 2023-24 NFL season ended with the Kansas City Chiefs winning the ultimate glory. But before the grand showdown, the National Football League paused to celebrate its brightest stars at the NFL Honors 2024.
The event was held on February 8, 2024, at the Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas, Nevada. It paid homage to the remarkable achievements of players throughout the season.
From Lamar Jackson’s second MVP win to Christian McCaffrey’s Offensive Player of the Year title, the night celebrated the outstanding performances of numerous NFL stars.
Let’s learn more about the awards and those who were graced with the 2024 NFL Honor.
1. Most Valuable Player
Lamar Jackson (QB) – Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens did not reach the NFL finals, but their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson still managed to bag the league’s top honor: the Most Valuable Player award. He has won this award for the second time.
With this win, Jackson joins an elite club, becoming just the fifth player in NFL history to earn multiple MVP honors within his first six seasons.
Formerly, legends such as Jim Brown, Kurt Warner, Brett Favre, and Patrick Mahomes have earned this honor.
Despite some contract negotiations, the 27-year-old quarterback’s commitment to the Ravens remained unwavering as he signed a record-breaking extension. Under his leadership, the Ravens soared to a league-best 13-4 record.
2. Offensive Player of the Year
Christian McCaffrey (RB) – San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers’ RB, Christian McCaffrey played a full season for the first time and was named the NFL Honors 2024, Offensive Player of the Year.
He is leading the 2023-24 NFL season in several categories, including first downs (114), rushing yards (1,459), scrimmage yards per game (126.4), scrimmage touchdowns (21), and 10-plus yard runs (44), in 16 games.
McCaffrey’s stellar performance earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl and the AP All-Pro first team. His name was also added to the NFL record books alongside legends like Marshall Faulk.
With an impressive record of over 2,000 scrimmage yards for two different franchises, McCaffrey’s impact is undeniable.
3. Defensive Player of the Year
Myles Garrett (DE) – Cleveland Browns
After years of hard work, Garrett finally won his first NFL Honors 2024 Defensive Player of the Year award, and he deserved it!
His triumph was hard-fought in a neck-and-neck race against opponents like T.J. Watt. Garrett’s impact on the team was way beyond numbers.
He led the Browns to have the best defense in the league, dominating in various areas. Despite facing tough teams, he still rocked the pass rush.
Browns’ late-season winning streak, sealed them a playoff spot, in which Garrett played a crucial role. He is also the first Browns player to win DPOY.
It wasn’t just about him, though. With support from fellow players like Micah Parsons, Garrett’s rise to defensive stardom became possible.
4. Offensive Rookie of the Year
C.J. Stroud (QB) – Houston Texans
Texans QB C.J. Stroud also had a great NFL season this year, as he became the first Texans player to win the NFL Honor 2024 for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
His impressive streak of 191 pass attempts without an interception, helped his team to reach their first division title since 2019.
Stroud’s 4,108 passing yards and an outstanding 470-yard game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made him a rookie sensation of the 2023 NFL season.
Winning the Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award was a big recognition of his talent. It also solidified his status among the NFL’s elite players.
5. Defensive Rookie of the Year
Will Anderson Jr. (DE) – Houston Texans
The Houston Texans’ Rookie game was on fire this season. First, C.J. Stroud clinched Offensive Rookie of the Year, and then Will Anderson Jr. was also graced with the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
The Alabama star made a huge impact with seven sacks and helped his team grab the AFC South title.
Despite battling an ankle injury that benched him for two games, Anderson’s outstanding play earned him the top spot among defensive rookies.
Stroud and Anderson are the Texans’ first duo to sweep the Rookie of the Year awards. With his brilliant performance in NFL 2023-24, Anderson has now joined the ranks of Texans legends like Brian Cushing and DeMeco Ryans.
6. Coach of the Year
Kevin Stefanski – Cleveland Browns
When things looked tough for Cleveland Browns’ coach Kevin Stefanski and his job status was unclear, he surprised everyone by winning the NFL Honors 2024 Coach of the Year award.
Even though key players like Nick Chubb and quarterback Watson got injured early on, Stefanski led the Browns to their second playoff in twenty years, with a great 11-6 record.
The Browns have reached the playoffs three times since they came back to the NFL in 1999, and two of these appearances were under Stefanski’s leadership.
Even though they had to switch between five different quarterbacks in one season, Stefanski’s smart coaching helped the team set a record by winning five games in the last two minutes.
7. Comeback Player of the Year
Joe Flacco (QB) – Cleveland Browns
In an exciting end to the regular season, Flacco led the Browns on an amazing five-week run that got them into the playoffs. Because of this, he was named the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year.
Flacco, 39, did well for the Browns, winning four out of five games. He also threw 1,616 passing yards and 13 touchdowns.
Even though Flacco didn’t have a team at the start of the season, he got his chance when another player got hurt. He joined the Browns in November and quickly made a big impact.
He became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for over 250 yards and multiple touchdowns in his first five games with a new team.
With Flacco leading the way, the Browns won four games in a row and made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
8. NFL Fan of the Year
Tom Grossi (Fan) – Green Bay Packers
Tom Grossi was named the NFL Fan of the Year! He was chosen from 32 finalists at the NFL Honors.
Tom, a diehard Green Bay Packers supporter, was recognized for his unwavering dedication to his team.
He has never missed a single Packers game in two decades, which shows Tom’s passion for the game.
Through his YouTube channel, he spreads positivity and raises funds for charity. He raised over $725,000 since 2021.
Tom’s commitment to football and philanthropy makes him an exemplary fan, and his fandom is celebrated by the NFL in a great way.
9. Moment of the Year
CeeDee Lamb (WR) – Dallas Cowboys
Imagine Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys’ star quarterback, making an incredible play under pressure. He throws a long pass to CeeDee Lamb, who zooms down the field for a thrilling 92-yard touchdown against the Detroit Lions.
This awesome moment won Lamb the prestigious Moment of the Year award at the NFL Honors 2024. Fans loved watching Prescott and Lamb’s amazing teamwork all season.
Even though some people thought other plays deserved the award, everyone agrees this one was unforgettable.
10. Assistant Coach of the Year
Jim Schwartz (DC) – Cleveland Browns
The assistant coach of the Cleveland Browns, Jim Schwartz was the secret weapon behind Brown’s comeback.
He was honored with the NFL’s Assistant Coach of the Year award in recognition of his great impact on the Browns’ defense.
From turning the league’s worst defense into the best in total yards, third-down efficiency, and passing yards, Schwartz’s leadership has been nothing short of legendary.
List Of Other Award Winners in NFL Honors 2024
| Award | Winner | Position | Team |
| NFL Rookie of the Year | C. J. Stroud | QB | Houston Texas |
| NFL Man of the Year | Cameron Heyward | DT | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Salute to Service Award | Joe Cardona | LS | New England Patriots |
| Air Player of the Year | Brock Purdy | QB | San Francisco 49ers |
| Ground Player of the Year | Christian McCaffrey | RB | San Francisco 49ers |
| Celly of the Year | Tommy DeVito | QB | New York Giants |
| Deacon Jones Award | T. J. Watt | LB | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Jim Brown Award | Christian McCaffrey | RB | San Francisco 49ers |
| Art Rooney Award | Bobby Wagner | LB | Seattle Seahawks |
Conclusion
The NFL Honors event is like the Oscars for American football, where the best players get recognized with awards like MVP and Coach of the Year.
Lamar Jackson won the MVP award, Christian McCaffrey was named the Offensive Player of the Year, and rookies C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. stood out.
Myles Garrett and Kevin Stefanski also took home top honors, while Joe Flacco made an impressive comeback and won the Comeback Player of the Year award.
