What Is the Tom Brady Trophy and Who Wins It
The Tom Brady Trophy is the award given to the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year, recognizing the top quarterback or pass-catcher based on regular-season performance. The award is officially named the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year, and the trophy features a updated design with a silver football player in a throwing stance on a polished base. The Associated Press selects the winner each season using votes from national media members. The Tom Brady Trophy is presented at the NFL Honors ceremony following the regular season, with recent winners including players who led the league in passing yards, touchdowns, or total touchdowns. For the latest official rules and selection process, see the NFL's awards page at nfl.com/awards.
The trophy's name reflects Tom Brady's record-setting career, including his seven Super Bowl wins and multiple NFL MVP awards, which set the standard for modern quarterbacks. The award criteria focus on statistical dominance, leadership, and impact on team success, with voters weighing regular-season production above postseason results. The Tom Brady Trophy joins other AP awards such as NFL MVP and Defensive Player of the Year as part of the league's official honors program. The trophy design has been refreshed in recent years to feature a sleek silver finish and a dynamic figure capturing a quarterback's throwing motion.
Tom Brady Trophy Design, Materials, and Official Specifications
The current Tom Brady Trophy features a polished silver finish with a central figure of a quarterback mid-throw mounted on a weighted base. The base includes engraved text identifying the award as the NFL Offensive Player of the Year and the winner's name, team, and season. The trophy stands at a height typical of major NFL awards, with a sturdy construction designed for durability during transport and display. Materials include a metal alloy body with a clear protective coating to maintain shine, and the figure is detachable for safe shipping. The design process involves NFL branding guidelines and input from the AP to ensure consistency with other league trophies.
Specifications include a base diameter large enough for stability on presentation tables, with a total weight that conveys prestige without being unwieldy for players. The trophy's finish is mirror-bright silver, and the quarterback figure wears a contemporary helmet and uniform to reflect the current NFL aesthetic. Each year's winner receives a new trophy, while the league retains a standardized mold for production. The Tom Brady Trophy is stored and transported in a custom case to prevent damage, and replicas are often produced for team facilities and the winner's personal collection. For details on NFL trophy manufacturing and presentation standards, see the NFL's official operations resources at nfl.com/operations.
How the Tom Brady Trophy Is Selected and Recent Winners
Selection of the Tom Brady Trophy follows a two-step process: national media members submit ballots ranking their top choices, and the AP tallies votes to determine the winner. Voters consider passing yards, touchdowns, completion percentage, and overall impact on offense, with the regular season being the primary evaluation window. The ballot typically closes after the final regular-season week, and results are announced during the NFL Honors broadcast. The Tom Brady Trophy is presented alongside other AP awards, and winners often cite the honor as recognition of a season-long performance rather than a single game.
Recent Tom Brady Trophy winners include quarterbacks who posted elite passer ratings and led their teams to playoff berths, with past recipients such as Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen highlighted for their statistical dominance. The award has been shared or closely contested in seasons where multiple players posted record-breaking numbers, reflecting the NFL's increasing offensive parity. The Tom Brady Trophy's lineage connects to earlier NFL passing titles and MVP awards, and its modern form emphasizes the quarterback position while recognizing top wide receivers and running backs in years when they earn the most votes. For historical voting data and past winners, see the AP's awards