​  
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.

Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) looks to throw a pass against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter of an NFC Divisional Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
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.
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.

May 16, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) runs around bases on an RBI triple during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
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.

Jun 2, 2026; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett (95) poses with jersey at press conference at Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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.
Photo Credit:
The post Matthew Stafford Nominated for Huge ESPY Award appeared first on LA Sports Report.
      ​Read More