Highland Park alumni Matthew Stafford wins NFL MVP
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 25: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams stands on the field prior to the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Kevin
SAN FRANCISCO, California - Matthew Stafford’s football journey came full circle on Thursday night as the 37-year-old quarterback was named the NFL’s AP Most Valuable Player.
From Highland Park to NFL MVP
What we know:
The Dallas native and Highland Park High School alum earned the honor after leading the Los Angeles Rams to a standout 12-5 season, adding an MVP award to a résumé that already includes a Super Bowl title.
Stafford became the first Highland Park graduate to win the NFL’s top individual honor. His MVP season further cemented his status among the most accomplished quarterbacks of his era.
Building a hall of fame résumé
Big picture view:
The former no. 1 overall pick in the 2009 draft, previously spent 12 seasons with Detroit before being traded to the Rams in 2021. Stafford has since remained a central figure for the Rams, ranking sixth among the league’s all-time leaders in passing yards and seventh in touchdown passes.
Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams hands the Vince Lombardi Trophy to Matthew Stafford #9 after Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Source: Information in this article was provided by the National Football League.