The New York Giants finished the 2025 regular season with a 4-13 record, finishing the year with back-to-back wins that improved one game from last season.
Despite the continued lack of success and another head coaching change (which is underway), there have been some highlights worthy of recognition.
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While the NFL will announce official awards at a later date, Giants Wire will present the 2025 MVP, Rookie of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards to the Big Blue.
MVP: Brian Burns
It’s no surprise that linebacker Brian Burns won the Giants Wire MVP award. Through 17 games, he was the team’s most dominant player, not even a close second. Burns entered this season determined to make it to the elite level, and he did exactly that, amassing career-best numbers at the Pro Bowl and likely being named an All-Pro.
Others who received votes:Jackson Dart
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Offensive Player of the Year: Wan’Dale Robinson
What a season it has been for wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson. Robinson shrugged off harsh criticism of his size and survivability in a year that erased any doubts with a 92-catch, 1,014-yard performance that also included four touchdowns and 14 carries of 20 yards or more. He’s a top-end running back who can play a variety of roles (although he excels at his position) and has set himself up for a big free agent contract — hopefully with the Giants.
Others who received votes: none
Defensive Player of the Year: Brian Burns
67 tackles (22 for loss), three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, seven passes defensed, 31 quarterback hits and 16.5 sacks. As mentioned above, Burns is not only the best defensive player; He’s the team’s best player overall. He did it all despite multiple injuries, showing impressive toughness and leadership. He set the standard for East Rutherford.
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Others who received votes: none
Comeback Player of the Year: Bobby Okereke
Linebacker Bobby Okereke struggled in his first season (2024) under then-defensive coordinator Shane Bowen and ended the year on injured reserve (IR) with a herniated disc in his neck. This comes after every game played in 2023. Okereke recovered well this season and ended the season on a tear under interim defensive coordinator Charlie Bullen. He leads the team with 143 tackles, along with two interceptions, 10 interceptions and one sack.
Others who received votes: Isaiah Hawkins
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Most Improved Player: Cor’Dale Flott
Wan’Dale Robinson has a fair case here, but cornerback Cordell Float gets the nod after beating Deonte Banks and drastically improving his coverage. Although Float posted career-high numbers, his catch rate was a career-low 51.6 and his passer rating was a career-low 71.0. He also recorded a career-high 11 passes defended.
Others who received votes:Wandale Robinson, Dane Belton
Rookie of the Year: QB Jackson Dart
Quarterback Jaxson Dart was shot out of the cannon, but hasn’t slowed down all season. His aggressive style, combined with off-script success, creates a Patrick Mahomes-like excitement and plenty of optimism for the future. Yes, like all rookies, Dart has some things to clean up, but his football IQ is off the charts and he appears to be a better fit for the pros than many expected.
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Others who received votes: none
Surprise of the Year: Dexter Lawrence
This isn’t necessarily a good surprise. After returning from a dislocated elbow last season, many expected Dexter Lawrence to return to his dynamic, dominant form. Unfortunately for the Giants, that didn’t happen. While Lawrence is still playing well, he’s not taking over games like many are used to. Furthermore, there was something distinctly wrong with his treatment of reporters, displaying a cold and sometimes defensive attitude.
Others who received votes: Kevon Thibodeau, Theo Johnson
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants 2025 awards: MVP, Rookie of the Year and more
