As the NFL gears up for the upcoming season, it’s hard not to notice the quarterback-centric trend when it comes to the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Looking back, since Adrian Peterson took home the MVP honors in 2012, every winner from the Associated Press has been a quarterback. In fact, out of 68 years of MVP voting, quarterbacks have been recognized 49 times, showing a clear preference for the position, especially since 2000.
However, recent changes in the voting system might give rise to non-quarterbacks getting a fair shot at the title. Starting in 2022, voters now rank their top five candidates, leading to a broader array of selections that could mix things up. Over the past three years, we’ve seen some noteworthy non-QB names like Saquon Barkley, Tyreek Hill, and Derrick Henry make their mark in the voters’ top tiers.
With the 2025 season approaching, many eyes are on notable quarterbacks expected to lead their teams into contention. Lamar Jackson in Baltimore has emerged as a clear favorite, especially considering the impressive performances he has put up in the past. Following him are Josh Allen of the Bills and Joe Burrow of the Bengals, both quarterbacks whose teams rely heavily on their leadership and skills.
But don’t let that overshadow the potential of players from other positions. For instance, the Cleveland Browns’ Myles Garrett and the Denver Broncos’ Patrick Surtain II are making the case for defensive MVPs. While it’s been decades since a defender won the award, the outstanding plays from players like Garrett, who finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting, can’t be dismissed.
In addition, the Jaguars’ Travis Hunter has captured attention for his dual ability to dominate on both offense and defense. Although it’s rare for a rookie to win the MVP award, his impressive college performance offers a glimpse of potential for the NFL.
As we move closer to the season, it’s clear that while quarterbacks might continue to dominate the MVP conversation, a mix of talented players from various positions could shake up the narrative. The excitement continues to build as teams prepare for training camp, making it anyone’s game for the coveted MVP title.
