Voter who ‘cost’ Drake Maye MVP prize slammed by Dave Portnoy as Pats QB loses by slim margin

Feb 6, 2026 - 11:45

Matthew Stafford took home the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award at the annual NFL Honors in San Francisco.

Stafford, who will turn 38-years-old just one day before Super Bowl LX, led the NFL with 46 touchdowns in a Los Angeles Rams offense that dominated the league.

Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams and the AP NFL Most Valuable Player looks on during the 15th Annual NFL Honors at the Palace Of Fine Arts on February 05, 2026 — Stafford took home the first MVP award of his storied career ahead of Maye

His 17th season faced plenty of uncertainty through contract issues and a nagging back injury that sparked talk of retirement, but in the end, he took home the league’s top honor.

The Rams QB edged New England Patriots star Drake Maye in the closest MVP race seen since Peyton Manning and Steve McNair in 2003.

Stafford received 24 of the first place votes, while Maye, who faces off against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, received 23.

Under new head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots saw a complete turnaround from a 2024 season in which they finished with a 4-13 record.

Maye threw for 4394 yards with 31 touchdowns, leading New England to a 14-3 record and a comfortable playoff run.

Fans felt that the second-year QB had a great chance to win MVP this year, but one voter’s strategic decision cost him.

Dave Portnoy slams voter for wild MVP pick

Analyst Sam Monsen stole the show during the NFL Honors, giving his top vote to Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.

Herbert was not amongst the favorites for the award, and the decision cost Patriots QB Maye dearly.

Monsen attempted to justify his selection on Thursday night.

“I was the Justin Herbert vote,” Monsen posted on X (formerly Twitter)

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 02: Sam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks and Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots look on during Super Bowl LX Opening Night at San Jose McEnery Convention Center on February 02, 2026 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) — Maye (L) and Sam Darnold (R) will be battling for their first Super Bowl ring

Denver, CO - January 25: New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye holds the Lamar Hunt Trophy. The New England Patriots played the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High on January 25, 2026. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) — Maye and the Patriots secured the AFC title over the No.1-seeded Denver Broncos

“The guy had the worst offensive line in the NFL all season and despite that he was working miracles in almost every single game.

“Stafford’s OL became 2/5ths as bad as Herbert’s for 5 minutes and he became a turnover howitzer.

“He embodied ‘value’.”

Monsen justification, however, didn’t go down well and sparked intense reactions from fans, analysts and critics.

Dave Portnoy was one big name left fuming, and he slammed the Irish analysts’ decision.

“Imagine thinking you outsmarted every other human who watched football. Only cost Maye the MVP,” the Barstool Sports founder wrote on X.

Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots reacts prior to an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons — Maye fell one vote short of the MVP award but will contest the Super Bowl

“Luckily we play for Lombardi’s in New England.”

Drake Maye can make Super Bowl history on Sunday

Maye’s ascension to the Super Bowl is rare at such a young age.

The few quarterbacks who have won their conference in their second year have all been older than the 23-year-old.

When he takes the Levi’s Stadium field on Sunday, Maye will be just the third QB ever to start a Super Bowl before his 24th birthday.

Full list of NFL Award Winners

Check out the full list of NFL award winners

AP Most Valuable Player – Matthew Stafford

AP Coach of the Year – Mike Vrabel

AP Comeback Player of the Year – Christian McCaffery

AP Offensive Player of the Year – Jaxon Smith-Njigba

AP Defensive Player of the Year – Myles Garrett

AP Offensive Rookie of the Year – Tetairoa McMillan

AP Defensive Rookie of the Year – Carson Schwesinger

Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year – Bobby Wagner

If New England were to win, Maye would join former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as the youngest QB to ever win the Super Bowl.

A controversial vote might have cost Maye the MVP award, but he has the chance to swap the snub for the ultimate vindication on the biggest stage.

Stay up to date with the latest from the NFL across all platforms – follow our dedicated talkSPORT USA Facebook page and subscribe to our talkSPORT USA YouTube channel for all the news, exclusives, interviews and more.