The Arizona Cardinals have announced their annual team awards for the 2025 season, following a year marked by both challenges and standout individual performances. The team, which plays its home games in Glendale and represents the Phoenix region in the NFC West division of the NFL, is recognized as the oldest continuously run professional football franchise in the United States, with origins dating back to 1898 according to their official website.
A panel of 13 members selected wide receiver Michael Wilson as Offensive Player of the Year. Wilson finished the season with 78 receptions for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns. Panelist Dani Sureck described his impact: “Michael Wilson had a breakout second half of the season when asked to step up as the top wideout. He showcased his skillsets week after week: Catching the ball away from his body, making acrobatic catches, adjusting mid-route, and winning at a consistent level. Wilson surpassed 1,000 yards receiving despite having less than 200 yards through the first eight games. Wilson has every desirable quality of a top receiver, one who can run good routes, win at the point of attack, show up in big moments, and be an asset in the blocking game. When the Cards needed someone other than McBride to step up with a decimated offense and a struggling running game, Wilson delivered. The Cardinals have unleashed a stud at wide receiver.”
Irving Villanueva added: “Without a doubt, Wilson responded to both opportunity and adversity. He reached the 1,000-yard mark despite never recording more than four catches in his first 10 weeks. Beyond the personal accolades, Wilson consistently put the team first. That speaks volumes about the kind of teammate he is — and the type of leader he’s becoming.” Paul Calvisi called him “‘WR1K'” for his breakout year.
On defense, Josh Sweat was named Defensive Player of the Year after recording 30 tackles (13 for loss), 12 sacks, four forced fumbles and other key statistics during his debut season with Arizona. Luis Hernandez said: “Twelve sacks in 2025. That’s a ton of quarterbacks hitting the turf. Sweat basically spent the season saying: ‘You shall not pass … without some bruises.'” Jody Ackerley highlighted Sweat’s contribution: “Sweat piled up 12 sacks and boosted an area the Cardinals needed help with (and still do). He was as advertised as far as production from a free agent and added leadership to the group.” Rob Fredrickson noted Sweat’s career-highs while Zach Gershman pointed out his versatility across multiple positions on defense.
Both Calais Campbell and Josh Sweat shared Newcomer of the Year honors after joining Arizona ahead of this season—Campbell returning at age 39 for another stint with his original team. Campbell posted six-and-a-half sacks along with two blocked kicks among other contributions; voters praised both his play on-field and leadership off it.
Darren Urban commented on Campbell’s influence: “Can we said Oldcomer? Might have been Walt Nolen had the rookie been healthy, but instead the 39-year-old came home and got 6.5 sacks and was a Hall of Fame locker room guy.” Luis Hernandez described him as someone who “anchors” both defense and locker room culture.
For Play of The Year honors, Michael Wilson’s contested 32-yard touchdown catch against Atlanta received top recognition from voters such as Craig Grialou (“It wasn’t a catch until after Wilson…had landed (and after review), securing football while on his back.”) Dave Pasch remarked that it demonstrated “Wilson can be a true number one receiver for years to come.”
Calais Campbell also earned co-honors alongside Michael Wilson for Beyond The Box Score Player Of The Year due to their respective leadership roles beyond raw statistics.
Most Valuable Cardinal went overwhelmingly to tight end Trey McBride following his record-setting campaign—126 receptions for 1,239 yards with eleven touchdowns led all categories for Arizona this year.
Dave Pasch stated: “Trey McBride has become NFL’s best tight end and it feels like best is yet to come.” Dani Sureck noted: “This answer feels as obvious as they come…If he can continue this high-level impact at consistent level then there’s no question we are watching start Hall Of Fame career…” Craig Grialou added that McBride set several franchise records while leading offensive production during an injury-riddled season.
The Arizona Cardinals continue serving fans throughout greater Phoenix from their base in Glendale (official website). Despite not meeting expectations this year on field results or coaching stability front—the organization saw several players deliver noteworthy performances that were recognized by internal awards voting.
