NFL MVP Race: The History Behind Crowning the Best Player in the League

The teams are hurtling down the highway to Super Bowl LVIII at breakneck speed! The NFL season is in full-on beast mode, and now, it’s time to rev up for the MVP showdown. The battle of the gridiron gods, all vying for that golden ticket–the Most Valuable Player title. This isn’t just a trophy; it’s the crown jewel for the gridiron gladiators who’ve left their heart and soul on the field throughout the regular season.

For over six decades, the Associated Press has been orchestrating the selection process. It’s not some random draw; oh no, it’s a democratic showdown with fifty sportswriters casting their votes. It’s like the Oscars of the NFL, where the gridiron greats await their red-carpet moment. Looks like this MVP race is about to hit the accelerator.

Touchdowns, tackles, and legacy: The unveiling of the NFL’s MVP

Back in 1937, the NFL MVP tradition kicked off, and the Detroit Lion‘s aerial wizard, Dutch “Flying Dutchman” Clark, snagged the inaugural title. Back then, it was called the Gruen Trophy, sponsored by the Gruen Watch Company. Just a year later, it got a name makeover, becoming the Joe F. Carr Trophy. Mel Hein of the New York Giants claimed the 1938 edition, officially earning bragging rights as the first-ever MVP, despite Dutch Clark’s earlier victory. Fast forward to the modern era, and we’ve got Peyton “MVP Magnet” Manning, scoring five of those trophies. He’s got more MVPs than any other player in the league.

However, in 2022, the NFL shook things up with a fresh MVP-voting playbook. In the old days, AP’s 50 voters played a one-name game on their MVP ballot. But hold your helmets, because in 2022, they switched it up. Now, each voter can flex their football IQ and rank their top five MVP picks.

Read More: Coincidence or Just Bad Luck – Why Buffalo Bills Dislike Playing on ‘Heartbreaker’ November 13?

It’s not just a trophy; it’s a legacy written in touchdowns and tackled dreams. Now the league gears up for the next chapter in the gridiron’s MVP dance, where legends are made and history is rewritten.

MVP metrics madness: Decoding the next-gen stats showdown

Since the AP took charge of MVP decisions in ’57, picking the NFL’s top gun has been a mix of crystal clear and vague moments. With Aaron Rodgers potentially ruled out of the race, who is this year’s MVP power trio? Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and the breakout star Jalen Hurts. Now, Mahomes is like the gridiron rockstar we’ve all come to know, but let’s be real–holding the MVP crown comes with its own set of expectations. He has been slinging it, and even if his stats took a tiny dip, he’s still pulling off gridiron magic like a boss.

Enter Jalen Hurts, the man who’s making completion percentages look like child’s play. His 68.9% is not just good; it’s ‘break-the-scale’ good, blowing the NFL Next Gen Stats model’s mind. And his pocket game at 72.4 QBR? That’s not just good; it’s MVP-level good. And then there’s Lamar “Do-it-all” Jackson, painting masterpieces with his arm and tearing up the field as a top-tier runner. Completing passes at 71.5%, he’s making precision throws look like a stroll in the end zone.

Interestingly, C.J. Stroud is gunning for the top spot too. With a 61.25 completion rate, and a 101.1 passer rating, it is very well possible that the next MVP will be from the lone star. Who’s your pick for the NFL MVP crown this year? Drop your predictions in the comments–let the gridiron debates begin!

Watch This Story: Aaron Rodgers Reveals Bold Goal for Timely Comeback From Injury