Next to the Super Bowl, it’s the biggest night in professional football when the sport’s biggest stars are honoured for their prowess on the field and off the field contributions to their communities.

For the first time in NFL Honors history, Kelly Clarkson  is hosting the show.

Before the awards ceremony begins, military kid Ron Rivera has been presented with the Salute to Service Award for his work with veterans and members of the military.

In another pre-sho presentation, DeMeco Ryans was name the AP Assistant Coach of the Year.

The Texas native came out on stage wearing a gown with the number 88 and the names of Dallas Cowboys players.  She notes that she will be fair and unbiased.

H.E.R. and Dallas Cowboys player Micah Parsons presented the first award of the night for NFL Offensive Player of the Year to Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings.

Tiffany Haddsih and JJ Watt presented the award for Defensive Player of the Year to Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers.

The award for the Offensive Rookie of the Year went to Garret Wilson of the New York Jets.

The award for Defensive Rookie of the Year went to Sauce Gardner of the New York Jets.

The Cincinnati Bengals win the award for best celebration of the year.

Two time Coach of the Year introduced a video showing football players who have stepped away from the game to help defend their nation as they fight to defend the Russian invasion.

Prime Time Deion Sanders presented the award for Coach of the Year to New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll.

Cincinatti Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and Las Vegas Raiders Josh Jacobs won the FedEx Air and Ground Players of the Year.

Seattle Seahawks fan Larry Bevins won the Fan of the Year Award.

The Comeback Player of the Year went to Seattle Seahwaks quarterback Geno Smith.

Sheryl Lee Ralph and Jim Kelly showed a video that focused on events during the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals game where Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field honouring the unsing heroes that prepare for a game every week…hoping that they will never be called.  The training and medical staffs from the Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, and the University of Cincinnati Medical Center took the stage to a standing ovation and rousing cheers.

Damar Hamlin takes the stage!!!  First he thanked God for being here; adding that everyday he is amazed at how many people have been encouraged.  His dream was to play football and be the best he could be; but it was God’s plan for something bigger.  He notes that he has a long journey to go.  He thanked everyone who helped him and all those who prayed for him around the world.  He was surrounded by the trainers and medical staff on the field receiving hugs.

The scepter for the angriest run of the year went to Damian Pierce of the Houston Texans.

For many years Jim Brown was the benchmark for any success in the NFL for running backs.  The award for the league’s leading rusher now bears Brown’s name.  The winner is Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders.

The award for NFL Moment of the Year went to Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings.

Terry Bradshaw paid tribute to Franco Harris who literally came out of nowhere to catch a ball that became known as “the immaculate reception.  Harris was just one of the players, coaches, and officials who have died over the past year.

The 2023 class of the NFL Hall of Fame are:
Joe Thomas
Darrelle Revis
DeMarcus Ware
Ken Reiley – posthumous induction
Joe Klecko
Chuck Howley
Ronde Barber
Coach Don Coryell – posthumous induction
Zach Thomas

Kurt Warner presents the award for MVP – Most Valuable Player to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

It has been 35 years since Walter Payton has played the game.  The NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Andrew Whitworth, and Jarod and Whitney Payton presented the nominees for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.  The 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year is Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott!  The award is given to the player who not only shines on the field but off of it as well with his contributions to the community. 

Prescott said that his mother continues to be his moral compass.  His mother Peggy died of cancer while Prescott was still in college.  He said, “I am so so so honoured to win this award.”