The MVP award is one of the most prestigious and sought-after awards in all of football – outside of the Super Bowl and Hall of Fame, it’s one of the highest honors there is. The award is given to the ‘most valuable player’ of that season and can be awarded to any position, though it’s usually a skill position.
And while there are a number of entities that award an MVP every year, the Associated Press (AP) is considered to be the Holy Grail of the MVP award. They’ve been handing out the award for 66 years – starting with Jim Brown in 1957 and continuing with the most recent winner, Patrick Mahomes, in 2022.
Of the 48 players to win the award since 1957, 10 of them have won it more than once and only two have won it unanimously. Only three of the award winners played on the defensive side of the ball – defensive tackle Alan Page (1971), kicker Mark Moseley (1982), and linebacker Lawrence Taylor (1986).
RELATED: 20 of the Best NFL MVPs Over the Years
Every NFL Team’s Most Recent MVP Award Winner
The Green Bay Packers have a rich history when it comes to winning MVPs – they’ve had 10 players win the award since 1961 – but they’re followed closely by the Indianapolis Colts, who have nine winners in franchise history. The next closest is the San Francisco 49ers with four MVP award winners since 1970.
If you were asked to name every NFL team’s most recent MVP award winner, how many do you think you would get right? Some of the teams are easy and obvious, but you’ll have to go back as far as 1960 – we’re looking at you, Philadelphia – for others. How confident are you in your knowledge of NFL history?
As you take a look at the list below, you’ll notice that six of the teams have never had an MVP winner. You should also prepare to see a lot of quarterbacks (16 of them, to be exact) and running backs (7 of them, to be exact) – there’s only one defensive player on the list (the only non-QB-or-RB on the list).
With that said, let’s see how many you can get right!
1. Arizona Cardinals
Last MVP Award Winner: NONE
The Arizona Cardinals haven’t had a single player win an MVP award since the team joined the NFL in 1920 – they haven’t had anyone win Offensive or Defensive Player of the Year, either. In fact, Kyler Murray is the last Cardinals’ player to win a major award after he was named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019. Looking at their roster, they don’t have anyone competing for an MVP anytime soon.
award han2. Atlanta Falcons
Last MVP Award Winner: Matt Ryan in 2016
Only one player has ever won an MVP award as a member of the Atlanta Falcons – Matt Ryan in 2016. He threw for 4,944 yards, 38 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions and led the league in yards per attempt (9.3), yards per catch (13.3), and quarterback rating (79.6). He led the Falcons to an 11-5-0 record in 16 starts before losing to the Patriots in Super Bowl LI. He was also Offensive Player of the Year in 2016.
3. Baltimore Ravens
Last MVP Award Winner: Lamar Jackson in 2019
Only one player has ever won an MVP award with the Baltimore Ravens – Lamar Jackson in 2019. He threw for 3,127 yards, 36 touchdowns (led NFL), and 6 interceptions, while also adding another 1,206 yards and 7 touchdowns on the ground – he led the NFL in QB rating (83.0) and yards per rush attempt (6.9). The Ravens were 13-2-0 in his 15 starts, but couldn’t duplicate that success in the playoffs.
4. Buffalo Bills
Last MVP Award Winner: Thurman Thomas in 1991
The most recent MVP award winner for the Buffalo Bills is none other than Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas in 1991. He had 2,038 scrimmage yards (1,407 rushing, 631 receiving) and 12 total touchdowns (7 rushing, 5 receiving) – he led the league in yards per attempt (4.9) and scrimmage yards. He was also named Offensive Player of the Year, played in the Pro Bowl, and earned All-Pro honors.
**The only other Buffalo Bills’ player to win MVP was O.J. Simpson, who did so in 1973**
5. Carolina Panthers
Last MVP Award Winner: Cam Newton in 2015
Only one player has ever won an MVP award with the Carolina Panthers – Cam Newton in 2015. He threw for 3,837 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while adding another 636 yards and 10 TDs on the ground. He led the Panthers to a 15-1-0 record and led the league with four game-winning drives before losing to Denver in Super Bowl 50. He was the season’s Offensive Player of the Year, as well.
6. Chicago Bears
Last MVP Award Winner: Walter Payton in 1977
Only one player has ever won an MVY award with the Chicago Bears – Walter Payton in 1977. He led the league in rushing attempts (339), rushing yards (1,852), rushing touchdowns (14), yards per attempt (5.5), yards per game (132.3), yards from scrimmage (2,121), and total touchdowns (16) – all of which were career-highs for him. He was also the Offensive Player of the Year and was named an All-Pro.
7. Cincinnati Bengals
Last MVP Award Winner: Boomer Esiason in 1988
The most recent MVP award winner for the Cincinnati Bengals was Boomer Esiason in 1988. He threw for 3,572 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, while also leading the league in yards per attempt (9.2) and fourth-quarter comebacks (3). He led the Bengals to a 12-4-0 record and an appearance in the Super Bowl, which they lost to the 49ers. Roger Craig was the Offensive Player of the Year in 1988.
**The only other Bengals’ player to win MVP was Ken Anderson in 1981**
8. Cleveland Browns
Last MVP Award Winner: Brian Sipe in 1980
The most recent MVP award winner for the Cleveland Browns was Brian Sipe in 1980. He threw for 4,132 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, while leading the league in game-winning drives (4). He led the Browns to an 11-5-0 record, but couldn’t duplicate that success in the playoffs – he threw 3 interceptions in a Divisional Round loss. Earl Campbell was the Offensive Player of the Year in 1980.
**The only other Browns’ player to win MVP was Jim Brown, who did so three times in 1957, 1958, and 1965**
9. Dallas Cowboys
Last MVP Award Winner: Emmitt Smith in 1993
Only one player has ever won an MVP award with the Dallas Cowboys – Emmitt Smith in 1993. He finished the season with 1,486 rushing yards, 9 rushing touchdowns, 57 catches, 414 receiving yards, and 1 receiving TD, while leading the league in rushing yards per attempt (5.3), rushing yards per game (106.1), and scrimmage yards (1,900). Jerry Rice was named the Offensive Player of the Year in 1993.
10. Denver Broncos
Last MVP Award Winner: Peyton Manning in 2013
The most recent MVP award winner for the Denver Broncos was Peyton Manning in 2013. He led the NFL in completions (450), attempts (659), yards (5,477), passing touchdowns (55), and QB rating (79.0). He had a 13-3-0 record in 16 starts and had two game-winning drives before losing to the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII. Manning was also Offensive Player of the Year, a Pro Bowler, and an All-Pro in 2013.
**The Broncos have had two other players win the MVP award – Terrell Davis in 1998 and John Elway in 1987**
11. Detroit Lions
Last MVP Award Winner: Barry Sanders in 1997
Only one player has ever won an MVP award with the Detroit Lions – Barry Sanders in 1997. He finished the season with 2,053 rushing yards (led NFL), 11 rushing touchdowns, 33 receptions, 305 receiving yards, and 3 receiving TDs – he led the league in rushing yards per game (128.3) and scrimmage yards (2,358). He was also named the Offensive Player of the Year, a Pro Bowler, and an All-Pro in 1997.
12. Green Bay Packers
Last MVP Award Winner: Aaron Rodgers in 2021
The most recent MVP winner for the Green Bay Packers was Aaron Rodgers in 2021. He threw for 4,115 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions, while leading the league in TD% (7.0), INT% (0.8), and QB rating (69.1). He led the Packers to a 13-3-0 record, but couldn’t duplicate that success in the playoffs – losing in the Divisional Round. Cooper Kupp was named the Offensive Player of the Year in 2021.
**Aaron Rodgers also won MVP in 2011, 2014, and 2020. Other Packers’ players to win the award were Paul Hornung (1961), Jim Taylor (1962), Bart Starr (1966), and Brett Favre (1995, 1996, 1997)**
13. Houston Texans
Last MVP Award Winner: NONE
The Houston Texans have never had a single player win the MVP award since the team joined the NFL in 2002, but they had someone come extremely close. J.J. Watt finished second in MVP voting in 2014 and went on to win Defensive Player of the Year three times in 2012, 2014, and 2015. They also had DeMeco Ryans (2006) and Brian Cushing (2009) win Defensive Rookie of the Year. Will they get an MVP soon?
14. Indianapolis Colts
Last MVP Award Winner: Peyton Manning in 2009
The most recent MVP award winner for the Indianapolis Colts was Peyton Manning in 2009. He threw for 4,500 yards, 33 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions, while also leading the league in fourth-quarter comebacks (7) and game-winning drives (7). He led the Colts to a 14-2-0 record before losing to the Saints in Super Bowl XLIV. Chris Johnson was named the Offensive Player of the Year in 2009.
**Peyton Manning also won MVP with the Colts in 2003, 2004, and 2008. Other Colts’ players to win the award include Johnny Unitas (1959, 1964, 1967), Earl Morrall (1968), and Bert Jones (1976)**
15. Jacksonville Jaguars
Last MVP Award Winner: NONE
The Jacksonville Jaguars are one of the six teams who have never had an MVP award winner – they joined the NFL in 1995. In fact, they don’t have a lot of history when it comes to individual awards and the only player to win one was Calais Campbell, who was named Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2019. Looking at their roster, they certainly have some players who can win an MVP soon, but it’s no guarantee.
16. Kansas City Chiefs
Last MVP Award Winner: Patrick Mahomes in 2022
Only one player has won an MVP award with the Kansas City Chiefs since they joined the NFL in 1963 – Patrick Mahomes has done it twice and is the reigning MVP after winning it in 2022. He led the league in passing yards (5,280), passing touchdowns (41), passing yards per game (308.8), and QB rating (77.6) en route to winning his second Super Bowl. Justin Jefferson was Offensive Player of the Year in 2022.
**Mahomes also won the MVP award in 2018 – his second year in the league and first year as a full-time starter**
17. Las Vegas Raiders
Last MVP Award Winner: Rich Gannon in 2002
The most recent MVP award winner for the Las Vegas Raiders was Rich Gannon in 2002 – he was 37 years old. He threw for 4,689 yards (led NFL), 26 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while adding another three touchdowns on the ground and leading the league in completions (418), attempts (618), and passing yards per game (293.1). Priest Holmes was named the Offensive Player of the Year in 2002.
**The Raiders had two other players win the MVP award, including Ken Stabler in 1974 and Marcus Allen in 1985**
18. Los Angeles Chargers
Last MVP Award Winner: LaDainian Tomlinson in 2006
Only one player has ever won an MVP award with the Los Angeles Chargers – LaDainian Tomlinson in 2006. He led the league with 1,815 rushing yards, 28 rushing touchdowns, and 113.4 rushing yards per game, while adding 56 catches for 508 yards and 3 touchdowns. His 28 rushing TDs and 31 total TDs are still a record to this day. He was also named Offensive Player of the Year and an All-Pro that season.
19. Los Angeles Rams
Last MVP Award Winner: Kurt Warner in 2001
The most recent MVP award winner for the Los Angeles Rams was Kurt Warner in 2001. He led the NFL in completions (375), completion percentage (68.7), yards (4,830), passing TDs (36), yards per attempt (8.8), yards per catch (12.9), and yards per game (301.9). He led the Rams to a 14-2-0 record before losing to the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVI. Marshall Faulk was named Offensive Player of the Year.
**Warner also won MVP in 1999 when the Rams won the Super Bowl. Other Rams’ players to win the award are Marshall Faulk (2000) and Roman Gabriel (1969).
20. Miami Dolphins
Last MVP Award Winner: Dan Marino in 1984
The only player to ever win an MVP award with the Miami Dolphins was Dan Marino in 1984 – his second year in the NFL. He led the league in completions (362), attempts (564), yards (5,084), TDs (48), yards per attempt (9.0), and yards per game (317.8). He led the Dolphins to a 14-2-0 record in his 16 starts before losing to the 49ers in Super Bowl XIX. He was also named Offensive Player of the Year.
21. Minnesota Vikings
Last MVP Award Winner: Adrian Peterson in 2012
The most recent MVP award winner for the Minnesota Vikings was Adrian Peterson in 2012. He finished the season with 2,097 rushing yards (led NFL), 12 rushing touchdowns, 131.1 rushing yards per game (led NFL), 40 receptions, 217 receiving yards, and 1 receiving touchdown – he also led the NFL in scrimmage yards (2,314). He was named Offensive Player of the Year and was honored as an All-Pro.
**The Vikings had two other players win an MVP award – Alan Page did so in 1971 and was the first defensive player to do so, while Fran Tarkenton won the award in 1975**
22. New England Patriots
Last MVP Award Winner: Tom Brady in 2017
Only one player has ever won the MVP award with the New England Patriots – Tom Brady has done it three times with his most recent coming in 2017. He threw for 4,577 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions in 16 games that season – leading the Patriots to a 13-3-0 record before losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII. Todd Gurley was named the Offensive Player of the Year in 2017.
23. New Orleans Saints
Last MVP Award Winner: NONE
Not a single New Orleans Saints’ player has ever won an MVP award since the team joined the NFL in 1967 – which is crazy to think about, considering the history they have with Drew Brees. He came close on numerous occasions as the MVP runner-up in 2006, 2009, 2011, and 2018. He was also named Offensive Player of the Year twice and was a runner-up for that award three times. Still, no MVP award.
24. New York Giants
Last MVP Award Winner: Lawrence Taylor in 1986
The most recent MVP award winner for the New York Giants was Lawrence Taylor in 1986. He finished the season with a league-leading 20.5 sacks in what is widely considered to be one of the greatest and most dominant seasons by a defensive player in NFL history – he recorded more than one sack in nearly half of his games that season. He was also named Defensive Player of the Year and was an All-Pro.
**The only other Giants’ player to win an MVP award was Y.A. Tittle in 1963**
25. New York Jets
Last MVP Award Winner: NONE
Not a single New York Jets’ player has won an MVP award since the team joined the NFL in 1970, but Joe Namath won two MVP awards when the team was in the AFL. With that said, they’ve had five players win Defensive Rookie of the Year (Erik McMillan, Hugh Douglas, Jonathan Vilma, Sheldon Richardson, and Sauce Gardner) and one player win Offensive Rookie of the Year (Garrett Wilson).
26. Philadelphia Eagles
Last MVP Award Winner: Norm Van Brocklin in 1960
Only one player has ever won an MVP award with the Philadelphia Eagles – Norm Van Brocklin in 1960. It was his last year before retirement and he threw for 2,471 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions – he was also the team’s punter. He led the Eagles to a 10-2-0 record and won the NFL Championship against the Green Bay Packers. The Eagles’ head coach, Buck Shaw, was named Coach of the Year.
27. Pittsburgh Steelers
Last MVP Award Winner: Terry Bradshaw in 1978
Only one player has ever won an MVP award with the Pittsburgh Steelers – Terry Bradshaw in 1978. He threw for 2,915 yards, 28 touchdowns (led NFL), and 20 interceptions, while also leading the NFL in yards per attempt (7.9). He led the Steelers to a 14-2-0 record in the regular season and won his third of four titles with the team that year. Earl Campbell was named the Offensive Player of the Year in 1978.
28. San Francisco 49ers
Last MVP Award Winner: Steve Young in 1994
The most recent MVP award winner for the San Francisco 49ers was Steve Young in 1994. He threw for 3,969 yards, 35 touchdowns (led NFL), and 10 interceptions, while adding another 7 touchdowns on the ground and leading the league in completion percentage (70.3) and yards per attempt (8.6). He led the 49ers to a 13-3-0 record and won the Super Bowl. Barry Sanders was the Offensive Player of the Year.
**Steve Young also won MVP in 1992. Only two other 49ers’ players have ever won the award – Joe Montana did it twice in 1989 and 1990, while John Brodie did it in 1970.
29. Seattle Seahawks
Last MVP Award Winner: Shaun Alexander in 2005
Only one player has ever won an MVP award with the Seattle Seahawks – Shaun Alexander in 2005. He led the league in rushing attempts (370), rushing yards (1,880), rushing touchdowns (27), rushing yards per game (117.5), and total TDs (28) – adding 15 catches for 78 yards and 1 touchdown. The Seahawks made it to the Super Bowl, but lost to the Steelers. Alexander was also the Offensive Player of the Year.
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Last MVP Award Winner: NONE
Not a single Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ player has ever won an MVP award and it might be a while before we see one. They’ve had several players win individual awards – Lee Roy Selmon, Warren Sapp, and Derrick Brooks each won Defensive Player of the Year while with the Bucs. We also can’t forget about Warrick Dunn and Carnell Williams, both of whom won Offensive Rookie of the Year with the Bucs.
31. Tennessee Titans
Last MVP Award Winner: Steve McNair in 2003
The most recent MVP award winner for the Tennessee Titans was Steve McNair in 2003. He threw for 3,215 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, while leading the league in yards per attempt (8.0), yards per catch (12.9), and QB rating (100.4). He led the Titans to a 10-4-0 record that season before losing in the Divisional Round of the Playoffs. Jamal Lewis named the Offensive Player of the Year.
**The only other player to win an MVP award with the Titans/Oilers was Earl Campbell, who did so in 1979**
32. Washington Commanders
Last MVP Award Winner: Joe Theismann in 1983
The most recent MVP award winner for the Washington Commanders was Joe Theismann in 1983. He threw for 3,714 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, while leading the NFL with 4 game-winning drives – the Commanders had a 14-2-0 record in his 16 starts before losing to the Raiders in Super Bowl XVIII. Theismann was also named Offensive Player of the Year and was honored as an All-Pro.
**Only two other Commanders’ players have ever won an MVP award – Larry Brown in 1972 and Mark Moseley (the only kicker to do so) in 1982**
Who Will Win the MVP Award in 2023?
As you can see from the list above, six of the 32 current teams in the NFL have yet to see one of their players win the MVP award – the Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Every other team in the league has at least one.
Of those teams, the Jets and Saints have a pretty good opportunity at ending that drought. Derek Carr has both the talent and the weapons necessary to pull off an impressive 2023 campaign, while the Jets recently added a four-time MVP to the mix in Aaron Rodgers – who will look to turn the franchise around.
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If you were to ask me, neither of those players will win the MVP award in 2023. I believe both Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen have the most upside in that conversation, but you can’t count out Joe Burrow, Justin Jefferson, Lamar Jackson, and Micah Parsons – all of whom will garner attention.
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