The NFL MVP award is one of the most prestigious honors in professional football, recognizing the player deemed most valuable to their team during the regular season. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this award.

What is the NFL MVP Award?
The NFL MVP Award is annually presented by the Associated Press to the player judged to have been the most valuable to their team during the regular season. This recognition is considered a pinnacle of achievement in the NFL.
Everything You Need to Know About the NFL MVP Award
Category | Details |
Event | NFL Honors on Thursday night, where the NFL will announce the 2023-24 season MVP. |
Award Significance | The MVP Award is one of the most storied and coveted individual prizes in world sports. |
MVP Meaning | MVP stands for Most Valuable Player. It is awarded to the best, most valuable player for that season. |
MVP Award History | The Associated Press NFL MVP Award was first awarded in 1957 and has been recognized as the leading MVP Award by the NFL since then. |
Most MVP Wins (Player) | Hall of Famer Peyton Manning holds the record with five NFL MVP Awards, the most in history. |
Most MVP Wins (Position) | Quarterbacks have won the MVP Award 38 times. Running backs are second with 16 wins. Two defensive players and one kicker (Mark Moseley) have also won the award. |
Recent MVP Trend | Quarterbacks have recently dominated the MVP Award. The last non-quarterback to win was Adrian Peterson in 2012. |
Reigning MVP | Patrick Mahomes is the reigning NFL MVP. |
2023-24 MVP Candidates | Lamar Jackson, Dak Prescott, Josh Allen, Brock Purdy, and Christian McCaffrey are the five remaining candidates. |
MVP Voting Process | 50 Associated Press and Pro Football Writers of America members vote for MVP. The player with the most points from all votes wins the award. |
History of the NFL MVP Award
The journey of the NFL MVP award is a fascinating one, marked by evolution and significance.
Early Years
Initially, the award was less formalized, with the Associated Press selecting the MVP based on general consensus and performance. This era saw legendary players like Jim Brown and Johnny Unitas claim the honor.

List of winners Most Valuable Player
Year | AP | PFWA | Sporting News | Jim Thorpe Trophy | Joe F. Carr Trophy | UPI |
1938 | — | — | — | — | Mel Hein | — |
1939 | — | — | — | — | Parker Hall | — |
1940 | — | — | — | — | Ace Parker | — |
1941 | — | — | — | — | Don Hutson | — |
1942 | — | — | — | — | Don Hutson (2) | — |
1943 | — | — | — | — | Sid Luckman | — |
1944 | — | — | — | — | Frank Sinkwich | — |
1945 | — | — | — | — | Bob Waterfield | — |
1946 | — | — | — | — | Bill Dudley | — |
1947 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
1948 | — | — | — | — | — | Pat Harder |
1949 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
1950 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
1951 | — | — | — | — | — | Otto Graham |
1952 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
1953 | — | — | — | — | — | Otto Graham (2) |
1954 | — | — | Lou Groza | — | — | Joe Perry |
1955 | — | — | Otto Graham | Harlon Hill | — | Otto Graham (3) |
1956 | — | — | Frank Gifford | Frank Gifford | — | Frank Gifford |
1957 | Jim Brown | — | Jim Brown | Johnny Unitas | — | Y. A. Tittle |
1958 | Jim Brown (2) | — | Jim Brown (2) | Jim Brown | — | Jim Brown |
1959 | Johnny Unitas | — | Johnny Unitas | Charlie Conerly | — | Johnny Unitas |
1960 | Norm Van Brocklin | — | Norm Van Brocklin | Norm Van Brocklin | — | Norm Van Brocklin |
1961 | Paul Hornung | — | Paul Hornung | Y. A. Tittle | — | Paul Hornung |
1962 | Jim Taylor | — | Y. A. Tittle | Jim Taylor | — | Y. A. Tittle (2) |
1963 | Y. A. Tittle | — | Y. A. Tittle (2) | Y. A. Tittle (2) | Jim Brown (2) | — |
1964 | Johnny Unitas (2) | — | Johnny Unitas (2) | Lenny Moore | — | Johnny Unitas (2) |
1965 | Jim Brown (3) | — | Jim Brown (3) | Jim Brown (3) | — | Jim Brown (3) |
1966 | Bart Starr | Bart Starr | Bart Starr | Bart Starr | — | Bart Starr |
1967 | Johnny Unitas (3) | — | Johnny Unitas (3) | Johnny Unitas (2) | — | Johnny Unitas (3) |
1968 | Earl Morrall | — | Earl Morrall | Earl Morrall | — | Earl Morrall |
1969 | Roman Gabriel | — | Roman Gabriel | Roman Gabriel | — | Roman Gabriel |
1970 | John Brodie | — | — | John Brodie | — | — |
1971 | Alan Page | — | — | Bob Griese | — | — |
1972 | Larry Brown | — | — | Larry Brown | — | — |
1973 | O. J. Simpson | — | — | O. J. Simpson | — | — |
1974 | Ken Stabler | — | — | Ken Stabler | — | — |
1975 | Fran Tarkenton | Fran Tarkenton | — | Fran Tarkenton | — | — |
1976 | Bert Jones | Bert Jones | — | Bert Jones | — | — |
1977 | Walter Payton | Walter Payton | — | Walter Payton | — | — |
1978 | Terry Bradshaw | Earl Campbell | — | Earl Campbell | — | — |
1979 | Earl Campbell | Earl Campbell (2) | — | Earl Campbell (2) | — | — |
1980 | Brian Sipe | Brian Sipe | Brian Sipe | Earl Campbell (3) | — | — |
1981 | Ken Anderson | Ken Anderson | Ken Anderson | Ken Anderson | — | — |
1982 | Mark Moseley | Dan Fouts | Mark Moseley | Dan Fouts | — | — |
1983 | Joe Theismann | Joe Theismann | Eric Dickerson | Joe Theismann | — | — |
1984 | Dan Marino | Dan Marino | Dan Marino | Dan Marino | — | — |
1985 | Marcus Allen | Marcus Allen | Marcus Allen | Walter Payton (2) | — | — |
1986 | Lawrence Taylor | Lawrence Taylor | Lawrence Taylor | Phil Simms | — | — |
1987 | John Elway | Jerry Rice | Jerry Rice | Jerry Rice | — | — |
1988 | Boomer Esiason | Boomer Esiason | Boomer Esiason | Roger Craig | — | — |
1989 | Joe Montana | Joe Montana | Joe Montana | Joe Montana | — | — |
1990 | Joe Montana (2) | Randall Cunningham | Jerry Rice (2) | Warren Moon | — | — |
1991 | Thurman Thomas | Thurman Thomas | Thurman Thomas | Thurman Thomas | — | — |
1992 | Steve Young | Steve Young | Steve Young | Emmitt Smith | — | — |
1993 | Emmitt Smith | Emmitt Smith | Emmitt Smith | Emmitt Smith (2) | — | — |
1994 | Steve Young (2) | Steve Young (2) | Steve Young (2) | Steve Young | — | — |
1995 | Brett Favre | Brett Favre | Brett Favre | Brett Favre | — | — |
1996 | Brett Favre (2) | Brett Favre (2) | Brett Favre (2) | Brett Favre (2) | — | — |
1997 | Brett Favre (3) | Barry Sanders | Barry Sanders | Barry Sanders | — | — |
1998 | Terrell Davis | Terrell Davis | Terrell Davis | Randall Cunningham | — | — |
1999 | Kurt Warner | Kurt Warner | Kurt Warner | Kurt Warner | — | — |
2000 | Marshall Faulk | Marshall Faulk | Marshall Faulk | Marshall Faulk | — | — |
2001 | Kurt Warner (2) | Marshall Faulk (2) | Marshall Faulk (2) | Kurt Warner (2) | — | — |
2002 | Rich Gannon | Rich Gannon | Rich Gannon | Rich Gannon | — | — |
2003 | Peyton Manning | Steve McNair | Jamal Lewis | Peyton Manning | — | — |
2004 | Peyton Manning (2) | Peyton Manning | Peyton Manning (2) | Peyton Manning (2) | — | — |
2005 | Shaun Alexander | Shaun Alexander | Shaun Alexander | Shaun Alexander | — | — |
2006 | LaDainian Tomlinson | LaDainian Tomlinson | LaDainian Tomlinson | LaDainian Tomlinson | — | — |
2007 | Tom Brady | Tom Brady | Tom Brady | Tom Brady | — | — |
2008 | Peyton Manning (3) | Peyton Manning (2) | — | Kurt Warner (3) | — | — |
2009 | Peyton Manning (4) | Peyton Manning (3) | — | — | — | — |
2010 | Tom Brady (2) | Tom Brady (2) | — | — | — | — |
2011 | Aaron Rodgers | Aaron Rodgers | — | — | — | — |
2012 | Adrian Peterson | Adrian Peterson | — | — | — | — |
2013 | Peyton Manning (5) | Peyton Manning (4) | — | — | — | — |
2014 | Aaron Rodgers (2) | Aaron Rodgers (2) | — | — | — | — |
2015 | Cam Newton | Cam Newton | — | — | — | — |
2016 | Matt Ryan | Matt Ryan | — | — | — | — |
2017 | Tom Brady (3) | Tom Brady (3) | — | — | — | — |
2018 | Patrick Mahomes | Patrick Mahomes | — | — | — | — |
2019 | Lamar Jackson | Lamar Jackson | — | — | — | — |
2020 | Aaron Rodgers (3) | Aaron Rodgers (3) | — | — | — | — |
2021 | Aaron Rodgers (4) | Aaron Rodgers (4) | — | — | — | — |
2022 | Patrick Mahomes (2) | Patrick Mahomes (2) | — | — | — | — |
2023 | Lamar Jackson (2) | Lamar Jackson (2) | — | — | — | — |
Modern Era
As the NFL grew in popularity and competition intensified, the voting process became more structured. The award gained prominence, becoming a coveted prize for players across the league.
Who Votes for the NFL MVP?
The NFL MVP award is determined by a panel of media members who regularly cover the NFL.
Voter Qualifications
To qualify as a voter, media members must demonstrate consistent coverage of the NFL throughout the season. This ensures a diverse and knowledgeable pool of voters.
Voting Process
Voters cast their ballots for the player they believe was the most valuable to their team during the regular season. The player with the most votes is awarded the MVP.
How is the NFL MVP Winner Determined?
The process of determining the NFL MVP has undergone changes over the years.
- “The path to the NFL MVP is paved with exceptional performances and clutch moments.”
Old Voting System
Historically, the voting system relied heavily on statistics and individual performance. Players with impressive numbers often had a strong advantage.

New Voting System
In recent years, there has been a shift towards a more holistic approach. While statistics remain important, factors like team success, impact on games, and overall narrative are now given greater weight.
Factors Considered for MVP
Several key factors influence the selection of the NFL MVP.
Statistics
Outstanding statistical performance is undoubtedly a significant factor. Passing yards, touchdowns, rushing yards, and tackles are among the metrics considered.
Team Success
A player’s contribution to their team’s overall success is increasingly valued. Leading a team to the playoffs or securing a division title can significantly enhance a player’s MVP candidacy.
Impactful Plays
Game-changing plays, such as clutch interceptions, game-winning touchdowns, or dominant defensive performances, can sway voters in favor of a player.
Narrative
A compelling story or overcoming adversity can create a powerful narrative around a player, influencing voter perceptions.
Controversies and Debates
The NFL MVP award is often surrounded by controversy and debate. Different voters have varying opinions on what constitutes “most valuable,” leading to discussions and disagreements.
Impact of the NFL MVP Award
Winning the NFL MVP award is a career-defining achievement. It solidifies a player’s legacy and enhances their marketability. Moreover, it serves as a benchmark for excellence in the sport.
“The NFL MVP award is the ultimate recognition of a player’s impact on their team.”
Conclusion of How Does NFL MVP Work?
The NFL MVP award is a prestigious honor that recognizes the player who has made the most significant impact on their team during the regular season. While individual statistics remain a crucial factor, the modern voting system places increasing emphasis on team success, game-changing plays, and the overall narrative surrounding a player. This evolution reflects the complex nature of determining the most valuable player in the most competitive football league in the world.
FAQs
Q: Can a defensive player win the NFL MVP award?
A: Absolutely! While quarterbacks often dominate the MVP conversation, defensive players have won the award in the past. A truly exceptional defensive performance can garner enough recognition to secure the MVP honor.
Q: When is the NFL MVP award announced?
A: The NFL MVP award is typically announced during the week leading up to the Super Bowl.
Q: Are there any other significant NFL awards?
A: Yes, there are several other prestigious NFL awards, including the Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Comeback Player of the Year.
Q: Can a player win the NFL MVP award multiple times?
A: Yes, several players have won the NFL MVP award multiple times, demonstrating their consistent dominance in the league.
Q: Is there a salary increase associated with winning the NFL MVP award?
A: While winning the MVP award undoubtedly enhances a player’s market value, there is no direct salary increase tied to the award. Player contracts are negotiated separately.