The NFL introduced gold shield patches for the reigning major award winners last season, and the Los Angeles Rams will feature a pair of honorees in 2025.
These shields designate the league’s MVP, Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, and Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year. This year’s recipients are Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (MVP), Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (OPOY), defensive end Myles Garrett (DPOY), Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (OROY), and Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger (DROY).
Following Garrett’s trade to Los Angeles, the Rams become the only team with two gold-shield players on the roster. Had the trade not occurred, the Cleveland Browns would have claimed that distinction with Garrett and Schwesinger.
The patches are subtle, given their small size on the jersey. The detail garnered attention after the Seahawks shared an image of Smith-Njigba in his updated uniform. For those wondering, Smith-Njigba’s shield does not contain a typo.
