Tom Brady stepped into one of the hottest conversations in the NFL this season and made his choice. On national television, the future Hall of Famer said he would give the NFL MVP award to Matthew Stafford rather than Drake Maye.
The MVP race between Stafford and Maye has been tight every step of the way, and Brady’s comments only added fuel to the fire. With both quarterbacks having standout seasons, fans quickly reacted online.
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Tom Brady Explained Why Matthew Stafford’s Season Edges Drake Maye’s Case
During an appearance on FOX NFL Sunday, Brady was asked to weigh in on the MVP debate. While acknowledging Drake Maye’s breakout year with the New England Patriots, Brady made it clear he would lean toward Stafford.
“Look, I don’t get a vote,” Brady said. “I think what Matthew Stafford has done this season has been absolutely remarkable. 46 touchdowns, for any quarterback that’s a dream season. He’s been spectacular.”
Brady also made sure to recognize Maye’s impact in his first season with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. “Drake Maye on the other side has done some incredible things with Josh McDaniels in their first season together,” Brady said. “Drake’s got a long career ahead. I’m sure he’s going to have many opportunities. I’m going to say Matthew Stafford.”
Statistically, Stafford’s case is built on volume and production. According to ESPN, he finished the regular season with 4,448 passing yards and 42 passing touchdowns, numbers that helped place him near the top of the league in both major categories.
Maye’s argument centers on efficiency. ESPN lists him with 4,203 passing yards and 30 passing touchdowns, but his efficiency metrics stand out even more. He completed 71.7 percent of his passes and posted one of the highest QBR marks in the league, making his season as much about precision as production.
Brady’s opinion does not decide the MVP award, which will be voted on by the Associated Press and announced at the NFL Honors ceremony before the Super Bowl. Still, his comments added weight and momentum to an already razor thin MVP race.
Fans Took Sides As The MVP Debate Turned Into Stafford Vs Drake Maye
Once Brady’s pick began circulating on social media, fans jumped into the discussion and quickly took sides. Some Patriots fans bristled at the idea of Brady backing anyone else, with one comment reading, “Love seeing ‘loyal’ Patriot fans taking digs at the GOAT. Stafford is MVP.” For that group, Brady’s opinion only reinforced the belief that Stafford’s numbers spoke for themselves.
Others were far less forgiving. One fan dismissed Maye’s case entirely, claiming, “Even the GOAT has seen enough of Drake Maye stat padding against the Jets and Dolphins twice a year.” That argument leaned into the idea that Maye benefited from familiar division opponents rather than consistently elite competition.
Not everyone agreed with Brady’s reasoning, though. One frustrated response pushed back hard, saying, “Tom Brady, this is not a lifetime achievement award. Drake Maye has a long career ahead. What does that have to do with the MVP this season? Who is more valuable to their team? It’s Drake.” That comment reflected a broader belief that value should outweigh longevity or narrative.
Some reactions were lighter but still pointed. “Maye cmon Brady you know it’s your boy,” one fan joked, while another suggested Brady’s logic was rooted in age, writing, “He said that because Stafford is old and Maye is young.”
Taken together, the comments show why this MVP debate refuses to cool off. Brady’s stance did not end the conversation. It amplified it, turning one Hall of Famer’s opinion into another flashpoint in a race that remains as subjective as it is competitive
Published: Jan 5, 2026 01:08 pm