The Kansas City Chiefs announced their 2025 team awards on Saturday, and while the season as a whole was a disappointment, with a 6-11 overall record, there was still plenty to celebrate on an individual level.
Every year, the Chiefs hand out three primary awards: the Derrick Thomas Award, which goes to the team's most valuable player; the Ed Block Award, which honors sportsmanship and courage on the field and is given by every team to a player who exemplifies these traits; and the Mack Lee Hill Award, which is awarded to the team's best first-year player.
What makes these awards so meaningful is that the Chiefs players are responsible for the voting. Here's a look at this year's winners.
Derrick Thomas (MVP): Patrick Mahomes
If, for some reason, anyone needed further demonstration as to why Patrick Mahomes is the most valuable player on his team or in the entire NFL, just look at the results of when he was in and when he was not in the lineup for the Chiefs this season.
With Gardner Minshew and then Chris Oladokun at the helm, the Chiefs failed to muster much of an effort in the final games of the season, even losing by 17 points to the Tennessee Titans before Christmas and by two to the worst team in the league, the Las Vegas Raiders, in Week 18.
Mahomes had 22 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions in a frustrating season in which the Chiefs went 6-8 in his starts. However, Mahomes' presence and production is what allowed the Chiefs to even stay as close as they did in those games (or even win) as they dealt with miscues, injuries, and a lack of talent at key positions.
The MVP win also further emphasizes the importance of getting Mahomes back as early as possible for the 2026 season after suffering an ACL tear that leaves his readiness in question for the first games of a new year.
Mack Lee Hill (Rookie of the Year): Ashton Gillotte
The Chiefs selected Ashton Gillotte in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and it was pretty clear within the first month that he was going to be a special talent. By season's end, Gillotte had put up 38 total tackles, 24 QB pressures, and 1.5 sacks and cemented himself as a key force up front as the Chiefs look ahead to 2026.
What's so heartening about Gillotte's award is the progression displayed throughout the season. Gillotte was earning starter's minutes down the stretch, and out of his 8 quarterback hits, 7 of them came in the second half of the year. With strong performances against the Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, and L.A. Chargers in that span, it's clear Gillotte has a bright future ahead.
Ed Block Courage Award: George Karlaftis
The Chiefs stayed at defensive end when naming this year's recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award. George Karlaftis received the respect of his teammates with this year's honor, which annually goes to someone who "symbolizes professionalism, great strength and dedication. He is also a community role model."
On the field, Karlaftis had 31 pressures and 6 sacks for the Chiefs defense in 2025, and the team made a long-term commitment to him coming into training camp with a lucrative extension worth up to $93 million over four years.
Previous winners of the award include Isiah Pacheco (2024), Patrick Mahomes (2023), and Joe Thuney (2021-22).