NFL Honors finalists include former LSU football players.

As the NFL’s most prestigious awards ceremony, NFL Honors is the event where the best of the best are celebrated for their performances during the season. The event recognizes players, coaches, and executives for their exceptional contributions to the game, and it has become a significant marker of success in the NFL. The 2025 NFL Honors ceremony promises to be particularly exciting for LSU football fans, as former Tigers are represented among the finalists for several key awards. With a tradition of producing top-tier talent, LSU has once again showcased its ability to develop players who can dominate at the professional level.

From offensive and defensive standouts to rookie sensations, the LSU contingent in the 2025 NFL Honors is filled with players who have had impressive seasons and continue to make their mark in the NFL. As the football world turns its attention to this prestigious event, let’s take a closer look at the former LSU players who have earned the recognition of being NFL Honors finalists and explore why they are deserving of such acclaim.

1. Joe Burrow – NFL MVP Finalist

One of the most exciting finalists for the NFL MVP Award is none other than Joe Burrow, the star quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals. Burrow, who led LSU to a national championship in 2019, has continued to shine in the NFL since being drafted first overall by the Bengals in 2020. His remarkable development into one of the league’s top quarterbacks has earned him recognition as one of the three finalists for the NFL MVP in 2025.

During the 2024 season, Burrow’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He threw for over 4,500 yards and had 40+ touchdown passes, leading the Bengals to a deep playoff run. His command of the offense, exceptional decision-making, and ability to perform under pressure have set him apart as one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL. Burrow’s poise, accuracy, and leadership on the field are reminiscent of the traits that made him a standout at LSU, and his NFL career continues to echo his college success.

Burrow’s inclusion as an MVP finalist is a testament to the hard work and dedication he has put into his craft since arriving in the NFL. His precision in the passing game, the ability to read defenses, and his deep connection with his wide receivers have made the Bengals one of the most dangerous offenses in the league. What sets Burrow apart is his calm demeanor in critical moments, his ability to execute in clutch situations, and his leadership in guiding a relatively young Bengals team toward postseason contention.

For LSU fans, seeing Burrow reach such a level of success in the NFL is a source of pride, and his MVP finalist nod further cements his legacy as one of the top quarterbacks in both college and professional football.

2. Justin Jefferson – Offensive Player of the Year Finalist

Another former LSU player who is making waves in the NFL is Justin Jefferson, the dynamic wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings. Jefferson, who was a key figure in LSU’s 2019 national championship season, has continued to be one of the most dominant wide receivers in the NFL. After being selected as a top-10 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Jefferson quickly proved that he belonged at the highest level.

In the 2024 season, Jefferson put together an extraordinary campaign, finishing with over 1,800 receiving yards and 15+ touchdown receptions, making him one of the most dangerous wideouts in the NFL. His ability to make spectacular catches, his route-running precision, and his ability to break tackles after the catch have made him a consistent game-changer for the Vikings. He has formed a strong rapport with his quarterback, Kirk Cousins, and together they have developed one of the league’s most lethal passing duos.

Jefferson’s inclusion as a finalist for NFL Offensive Player of the Year further solidifies his place among the top players in the NFL. His production over the past few seasons has been unmatched, and he continues to elevate the Vikings’ offense with each game. Jefferson’s elite-level performances have earned him comparisons to some of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history, and his 2024 season is likely to be remembered as one of the best in recent years.

For LSU fans, Jefferson’s continued dominance at the professional level only enhances the pride associated with the LSU football program. His success in the NFL also highlights the exceptional talent and development that LSU continues to produce, with Jefferson’s work ethic and on-field performances serving as a model for future Tigers.

3. Devin White – Defensive Player of the Year Finalist

Devin White, a former LSU linebacker who has been a key piece of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense, is another former Tiger who has earned a finalist spot for Defensive Player of the Year in 2025. White has been one of the most consistent and impactful linebackers in the NFL, and his 2024 season was no different. Known for his sideline-to-sideline speed, ability to cover ground, and knack for making plays in the backfield, White was a constant disruptor for the Buccaneers’ defense.

In 2024, White recorded over 120 tackles, including several sacks and forced turnovers, while also playing a crucial role in Tampa Bay’s defensive success. His instincts and leadership on the field have been integral to the Buccaneers’ defensive scheme, and he has solidified his place among the NFL’s elite linebackers. White’s physicality, ability to read the game, and his knack for getting to the ball carrier make him one of the toughest defenders in the league.

For LSU fans, White’s success in the NFL is a continuation of his standout career in Baton Rouge. White was one of the most dominant defensive players in college football during his time at LSU, and his ability to transition that dominance to the NFL has made him one of the top linebackers in the league. As a Defensive Player of the Year finalist, White’s continued rise in the NFL only strengthens LSU’s reputation for developing high-impact defensive talent.

4. Derrick Stingley Jr. – Defensive Rookie of the Year Finalist

While LSU has produced many NFL stars over the years, few have made as immediate an impact as Derrick Stingley Jr., who has quickly become one of the NFL’s brightest young stars. The former LSU cornerback was drafted by the Houston Texans in 2023, and by his second season in 2024, Stingley had firmly established himself as one of the best young defensive players in the league.

In his second year, Stingley recorded 5 interceptions, several pass breakups, and played an integral role in the Texans’ defensive success. His ability to shut down some of the league’s top wide receivers and make plays in critical moments has made him one of the most promising young cornerbacks in the NFL. Stingley’s combination of size, speed, and ball skills makes him a difficult matchup for any wide receiver.

Stingley’s inclusion as a finalist for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year speaks to his immediate impact on the Texans’ defense. His performance in 2024 has demonstrated that he is more than ready for the challenge of competing at the highest level. LSU fans can take pride in the fact that Stingley, a player who was one of the most decorated cornerbacks in recent college football history, is continuing to excel in the NFL.

5. Clyde Edwards-Helaire – Comeback Player of the Year Finalist

One of the most heartfelt stories in the NFL this season involves Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the former LSU running back who played a pivotal role in LSU’s 2019 national championship. After facing a series of injuries in recent seasons, Edwards-Helaire bounced back in 2024 with a remarkable performance that earned him a finalist spot for NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

In 2024, Edwards-Helaire showed flashes of the playmaking ability that made him such an integral part of LSU’s offense during their championship run. He rushed for over 1,200 yards and contributed in the passing game as well, helping the Kansas City Chiefs return to championship contention. His vision, agility, and elusiveness in the open field were on full display as he overcame his past injuries and proved that he still had what it takes to be an elite running back.

Edwards-Helaire’s resurgence is not only a personal triumph but also a reflection of the hard work and resilience that LSU players are known for. His role in the Chiefs’ offense was pivotal, and his inclusion as a Comeback Player of the Year finalist serves as a testament to his perseverance and skill.