The NFL MVP (Most Valuable Player) award is one of the most prestigious honors a player can receive in American football. Every year, the MVP recognizes the most outstanding player during the regular season, and it is highly coveted by players, coaches, and fans alike. In this article, we’ll explore who won the NFL MVP award in the latest season, the voting process, the factors influencing the award, and delve into the history of the MVP, discussing the most notable winners and their impact on the league.

Who Won the NFL MVP in 2024?

The 2024 NFL MVP was awarded to Patrick Mahomes, the quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. This marks Mahomes’ third MVP award in his career, further cementing his legacy as one of the most dominant players of his generation. The Chiefs’ quarterback had another phenomenal season, leading his team to an impressive record and showcasing his incredible talent in both passing and leadership.

Patrick Mahomes’ 2024 Season Performance

Mahomes had a stellar 2024 season, throwing for over 4,500 yards and 40+ touchdowns, while also maintaining a quarterback rating that was among the best in the league. His performance was characterized by his ability to make big plays in crucial moments, demonstrating his knack for performing under pressure.

Notable performances throughout the season included Mahomes leading the Chiefs to a thrilling comeback victory against some of the league’s toughest opponents. His ability to extend plays with his legs and make accurate throws, even under heavy pressure, was a defining trait of his campaign. Mahomes’ leadership on the field was also crucial to the Chiefs’ success, making him the clear frontrunner for the MVP award.

How the NFL MVP is Decided

The NFL MVP is decided through voting by 50 sportswriters, broadcasters, and former players, in addition to one vote from each NFL team’s head coach and general manager. Each voter casts a ballot ranking their top five players, and points are awarded based on the ranking. The player who receives the most points wins the MVP.

Voting Process

First-place vote: 10 points

Second-place vote: 5 points

Third-place vote: 3 points

Fourth-place vote: 1 point

The MVP voting process has evolved over the years, with the number of voters increasing and the criteria for evaluating players becoming more comprehensive. Traditionally, the MVP has gone to quarterbacks, who generally have more direct control over the game, but in recent years, other positions such as running backs, wide receivers, and even defenders have been recognized.

Key Factors Influencing MVP Voting

Several factors influence the decision of voters when selecting the NFL MVP. These include individual statistics, the player’s impact on their team’s success, and memorable performances during key games.

Individual Performance and Statistics

A player’s individual statistics such as passing yards, touchdowns, rushing yards, and defensive stats are crucial in MVP voting. Quarterbacks tend to have the most eye-popping stats because they are the focal point of their teams’ offenses. However, running backs and wide receivers with exceptional numbers also receive consideration.

Team Success: While individual performance is essential, voters also look at how a player’s performance translates into team success. Typically, MVP candidates come from playoff-contending teams, as the MVP is often viewed as the player who not only excels personally but also elevates their team.

Memorable Performances: Game-winning plays, clutch performances in high-pressure situations, and leadership qualities on and off the field also influence the MVP race. Players who shine in nationally televised games or during high-stakes moments (such as prime-time games or the final weeks of the season) are often recognized for their impact.

Notable NFL MVP Winners in Recent History

While Patrick Mahomes is the most recent winner, the MVP award has seen several incredible players dominate the league in recent years. Here are some of the notable NFL MVP winners over the past decade:

2023: Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles): Jalen Hurts had an outstanding 2023 season, leading the Eagles to one of the best records in the NFL. His dual-threat ability, combining elite passing with dangerous running, made him a favorite for the MVP. Hurts threw for over 3,800 yards, 35 touchdowns, and added several hundred rushing yards, making him one of the most complete quarterbacks in the league.

2022: Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers): Aaron Rodgers won his fourth MVP award in 2022, showcasing his elite skill at quarterback. Rodgers continued to defy age and expectations, throwing for over 4,200 yards and 40+ touchdowns. His accuracy, particularly in tight-window throws, kept him in the conversation as one of the league’s best quarterbacks, despite the Packers not being in prime playoff contention that season.

2021: Derrick Henry (Tennessee Titans): Derrick Henry broke the mold of quarterbacks dominating the MVP race when he won the award in 2021. Henry rushed for over 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns, dominating defenses and breaking numerous records. His physical running style and consistency made him a game-changer for the Titans, and he became the first running back since Adrian Peterson (2012) to win the MVP.

2020: Aaron Donald (Los Angeles Rams): In a season where quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson were dominant, Aaron Donald emerged as a rare defensive player to win the MVP. Donald’s incredible pressure on opposing quarterbacks, his ability to stop the run, and his overall impact on games made him the standout defensive force in the league, even if it was a more controversial choice for MVP.

Historical Trends: Who Wins MVP Most Often?

Quarterbacks Dominate: Over the years, quarterbacks have dominated the MVP race, with the award typically going to players who have played the most important position in the game. The most notable quarterbacks to win the MVP include:

Tom Brady: 3 MVPs (2007, 2010, 2017)

Peyton Manning: 5 MVPs (2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2013)

Brett Favre: 3 MVPs (1995, 1996, 1997)

Patrick Mahomes: 3 MVPs (2018, 2020, 2024)

Quarterbacks have generally accounted for the majority of MVP winners because of their direct impact on the game, both in terms of playmaking and leadership.

Running Backs: A Historical Powerhouse

In the past, running backs also had a strong presence in MVP voting. Players like Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith, and LaDainian Tomlinson won MVP awards in the 1990s and early 2000s. The most notable running back MVPs include:

Adrian Peterson: 1 MVP (2012)

LaDainian Tomlinson: 1 MVP (2006)

Marshall Faulk: 1 MVP (2000)

While the league has become more pass-heavy in recent years, running backs continue to make an impact on MVP voting with rare performances that transcend their position.

Defensive Players: Rare but Not Impossible

Although defensive players rarely win the MVP, a few exceptional individuals have earned the award with historic seasons. Defensive linemen like J.J. Watt and Aaron Donald, as well as linebackers like Lawrence Taylor in 1986, have had standout seasons that were good enough to claim the MVP. Here are a couple of rare defensive MVPs:

Lawrence Taylor: 1 MVP (1986)

Alan Page: 1 MVP (1971)

Defensive players tend to face an uphill battle for MVP consideration, as the award traditionally favors players who impact the game more consistently from a statistical standpoint.

Future MVP Candidates to Watch

With the league constantly evolving, several players are poised to compete for the MVP award in future seasons. Here are a few players who have shown signs of MVP potential:

Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals): Burrow has quickly become one of the NFL’s brightest stars. With elite passing ability, poise, and leadership, Burrow is expected to be in the MVP conversation for years to come.

Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers): Herbert has put together some impressive seasons and is often seen as a future MVP candidate. His arm strength, accuracy, and ability to put up massive numbers make him a player to watch in the coming years.

Ja’Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals): As one of the most dynamic wide receivers in the NFL, Chase has the potential to break through and win MVP, especially if he continues to build on his incredible rapport with Joe Burrow.

Nick Bosa (San Francisco 49ers): As one of the league’s premier defensive players, Bosa could make a strong case for MVP if his impact on the 49ers’ defense continues to dominate the league.

FAQs

Which NFL player has won the MVP the most times? 

The NFL player with the most MVP awards is Peyton Manning, who won the MVP five times (2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2013). Manning’s dominant performances with both the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos have made him one of the most decorated quarterbacks in NFL history.

Can a defensive player win NFL MVP? 

While the NFL MVP is typically awarded to offensive players, there have been rare instances of defensive players winning the award. The most notable example is Alan Page (defensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings), who won it in 1971. More recently, defensive players have come close, but the award has generally gone to quarterbacks and running backs.

How does the NFL MVP compare to other sports MVP awards? 

The NFL MVP award is one of the most prestigious in professional sports, but each league has its own MVP award. The NBA MVP, for example, has been dominated by superstars like Michael Jordan and LeBron James, while the MLB MVP is often awarded to a player with exceptional batting or pitching statistics. The NFL MVP is unique in its focus on one player’s impact on their team’s success.

What is the significance of the NFL MVP award? 

The NFL MVP award is highly coveted because it represents the pinnacle of individual excellence in a team-oriented sport. It recognizes a player’s ability to elevate their team and perform at the highest level under pressure.

Who is the most likely candidate for NFL MVP in 2025? 

As of now, predictions for the 2025 NFL MVP include names like Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, and Joe Burrow, among others. However, the MVP race is always wide open, and surprises are common each season.

In Summary

The NFL MVP is a prestigious award that celebrates the most outstanding player during the regular season. In 2024, Patrick Mahomes added another MVP to his remarkable career, showcasing his exceptional skills and leadership on the field. While quarterbacks have dominated the MVP race, players from all positions have had their moments, with running backs and defensive players occasionally breaking through. 

The MVP race is always a topic of excitement and discussion, as fans and analysts speculate on who will take home the coveted trophy each season. With so many talented players across the league, the race for the MVP will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.

To read more, Click Here .