On Thursday, February 5, 2026, the NFL will once again put a spotlight on its biggest stars with the 15th annual NFL Honors awards ceremony. With Super Bowl LX just days away, football fans are eager to know what time does the NFL Honors start so they can catch all the major award announcements, red carpet moments, and memorable speeches. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about the event’s timing, key details, broadcast options, award highlights, cultural elements, and how this ceremony fits into Super Bowl Week.
Live Broadcast Schedule and Start Time
The NFL Honors awards show kicks off at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time and 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time on February 5. The live two-hour event is held at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, California, just ahead of Super Bowl LX. A red carpet preview begins about an hour earlier, giving viewers an up-close look at players, coaches, and celebrities arriving in style before the main program begins.
This year’s event will be televised nationally on NBC and the NFL Network. For cord-cutters and mobile viewers, streaming options include Peacock and NFL+, ensuring fans can watch on the device of their choice regardless of where they are. Whether tuning in from the East Coast or West Coast, with these time zones in mind you’ll be ready for every moment.
A Celebration of the Season’s Best
NFL Honors has grown into one of the most anticipated nights of Super Bowl Week. Rather than just a pre-game celebration, it has become an institution that recognizes exceptional performances from across the NFL season. The ceremony brings together players, coaches, Hall of Famers, and entertainment personalities for a night that blends athletic achievement with showmanship.
This year’s ceremony is hosted by actor Jon Hamm, who steps into the spotlight to guide viewers through the performances, presenters, and pivotal announcements. Set against the backdrop of San Francisco’s vibrant Super Bowl festivities, the event sets the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of football.
What the Awards Mean
At its core, NFL Honors recognizes excellence on the field. The most prestigious prize of the evening is the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, which honors the league’s standout performer of the season. Finalists include a range of elite quarterbacks and versatile playmakers who defined the 2025 campaign with their leadership and production.
In addition to MVP, other major recognitions include Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, Rookie of the Year awards, Coach of the Year, and the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. These honors spotlight not only athletic prowess but also character and community impact.
One of the most anticipated segments of the night is the announcement of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. This year’s inductee reveal will shed light on the legends joining football’s most exclusive club, a moment that carries historic significance and adds emotional weight to the evening.
Red Carpet and Cultural Highlights
Before the awards begin, the red carpet segment sets the scene for an exciting night. Athletes, nominees, and famous faces arrive in their best attire as cameras roll and fans watch online. This prelude is not only a chance to see fashion statements but also a way to capture the energy and anticipation leading into the ceremony.
NFL Honors also weaves cultural elements into the broadcast. Bay Area hip-hop icons E-40 and Too $hort will bring hometown flavor to the stage with live performances. Their presence reflects the event’s growing role in celebrating not just football but the communities and cultural moments that define the sport’s impact.
Celebrity presenters add another layer of entertainment to the evening. Expect well-known faces from film, television, and sports media to introduce award categories and share their own insights about the game. These appearances make NFL Honors feel more like a signature awards show than a straightforward sports broadcast.
Broadcast and Streaming Options
Understanding what time does the NFL Honors start is just part of enjoying the show — knowing how to watch is equally essential. The broadcast is structured to reach fans both on traditional television and through digital platforms:
- NBC and NFL Network will air the ceremony live, reaching audiences through cable and over-the-air broadcasts.
- Peacock and NFL+ offer streaming access, ideal for fans watching on phones, tablets, or smart TVs.
These multiple viewing pathways ensure that no matter how you prefer to watch football content, the NFL Honors awards will be easy to access.
Why NFL Honors Matters in Super Bowl Week
NFL Honors is strategically placed during Super Bowl Week to amplify excitement leading up to the big game. While the awards celebrate the past season’s achievements, they also set the stage for Sunday, when the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots will square off at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
The event functions as both a reflection on the season and a prelude to the ultimate championship matchup. By recognizing the best performances, coaching accomplishments, and memorable moments, NFL Honors adds context and narrative to the upcoming Super Bowl.
Key Award Categories and Storylines
Fans and analysts alike focus heavily on certain categories that can shape offseason discussions and league history. The MVP debate, for example, often includes quarterbacks who dominated statistically or elevated their teams to new heights. In a season full of standout performances, the MVP race is particularly compelling this year.
Other key award categories include:
- Offensive Player of the Year, spotlighting explosive playmakers.
- Defensive Player of the Year, honoring the most disruptive force on defense.
- Rookie of the Year Awards, celebrating the best newcomers.
- Coach of the Year, recognizing outstanding leadership from the sidelines.
Each award tells a story about the season — from breakout stars to seasoned veterans enjoying career bests.
Fan Engagement and Social Highlights
NFL Honors also engages fans in unique ways beyond the awards themselves. Social media buzzes with reactions to red carpet arrivals, acceptance speeches, and surprise moments. Fans debate winners, share favorite clips, and celebrate their teams’ representatives on the big night.
The event’s format encourages this digital participation by integrating highlight reels, player testimonials, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the league’s elite. Whether through official broadcasts or second-screen engagement on social platforms, fans are part of the experience from start to finish.
Looking Ahead After the Awards
Once the final award has been presented and the Hall of Fame class announced, the attention shifts fully to Super Bowl LX. NFL Honors acts as both a wrap-up of an incredible season and a countdown to the most anticipated game of the year.
The timing — Thursday night before the Super Bowl — ensures that the event tops off the week’s festivities and keeps fans energized as they transition from celebration to competition. With all major accolades handed out, teams and players can focus on the ultimate prize: a Super Bowl championship.
Your Complete Viewing Checklist
To make sure you’re ready for the show:
- Note the start time: 9:00 p.m. Eastern / 6:00 p.m. Pacific on February 5, 2026.
- Tune in early for red carpet moments beginning about an hour before the main event.
- Use NBC or NFL Network on television, or stream on Peacock or NFL+.
- Watch for award announcements, Hall of Fame inductees, and special performances.
- Join the conversation online with reactions and predictions.
With all of these elements combined, the 2026 NFL Honors promises to be an unforgettable part of Super Bowl Week — a night where football’s top performers are celebrated before the biggest game of the season.
Now that you know exactly when what time does the NFL Honors start and how to watch, mark your calendar and plan your viewing party. Whether you’re focused on the MVP race, Hall of Fame inductees, or just soaking in the festive atmosphere, this year’s ceremony has something for every football fan.
