In the modern era, there are some highly talented NFL professionals who fans are currently getting behind. As we’re witnessing ahead of the Super Bowl, various star performers are shining at the most crucial part of the season. Many players are also improving their chances of winning the Most Valuable Player award, with candidates for the highest individual honor in the sport being discussed.
Today’s cohort of contenders has undoubtedly been inspired by some of the sport’s past MVP winners. While NFL MVP odds suggest the likes of Josh Allen or two-time MVP winner Lamar Jackson are likely to be crowned as the sport’s Most Valuable Player this season, there have been some outstanding performances from some genuinely world-class operators in the past. These iconic names will be remembered by fans forever, with both Allen and Jackson aiming to make a similar impact themselves.
To take a break from the feast of football action fans are currently enjoying, let’s remember some former NFL MVP winners who achieved the plaudits they deserved in the past.
2002 – Rich Gannon, Oakland Raiders
What a player Rich Gannon was, right? In 2002, nobody else was better than the Raiders’ dangerous quarterback. Gannon had it all, with his faultless displays helping the Raiders make a truly memorable final against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite their loss, Raiders fans will never forget Gannon’s impressive performances. But, without Rich Gannon in their ranks, the Raiders would never have made the Super Bowl in the first place.
2009 – Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
Peyton Manning has four MVP awards to his name, although his 2009 victory was quickly one of the best. Manning became the first player to win the award four times in the process, despite falling short against the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV. Still, despite their heartbreaking defeat in the most prominent sporting fixture, Peyton Manning’s input enabled the Colts to get there in the first place. One of football’s best-ever players, Peyton Manning, is an undisputed great.
2012 – Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
In 2012, it was hard to look past Adrian Peterson for the MVP award despite not being a quarterback. The Minnesota Vikings legend is officially the last non-quarterback to have an MVP crown to his name, with his impactful displays still being spoken about today. A player many fans immediately think of when looking back at some of their finest ever players, the Minnesota Vikings and Adrian Peterson will always be considered as one of football’s most formidable combinations.
2017 – Tom Brady, New England Patriots
(Image via https://x.com/bradypenn21)
Tom Brady is a true icon of the sport. The 7-time Super Bowl champion had 23 remarkable seasons in the NFL, with one of his best showings coming in 2017. Brady won his third MVP award that campaign despite losing the Super Bowl, although his breathtaking performances were challenging to ignore when assessing the various contenders that particular year. Brady led from the front as always; he showcased his class numerous times and continued to be the leading man the Patriots needed in plenty of clutch moments.
2022 – Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Player fans are raving about this season; 2022 was undoubtedly Patrick Mahomes’ finest year so far in his career. The Kansas City Chiefs hero won his second regular season MVP award after leading the team to another memorable Super Bowl triumph. As his third MVP award in the process, Mahomes cemented himself as one of the finest players the sport has ever witnessed.