Analysis: Possibility of a Non-QB Winning the AP NFL MVP Award

In recent weeks, the NFL world has been abuzz with a fascinating question: Could Tyreek Hill, the record-breaking wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins, become the first non-quarterback to win the prestigious AP NFL MVP award? This inquiry has ignited heated debates on various sports talk shows and among football enthusiasts.

To provide some historical context, it’s worth noting that Mark Moseley, a kicker, clinched the title of Most Valuable Player back in 1982. This historical precedent reminds us that the MVP award is not exclusively reserved for quarterbacks. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that not all positions may be in contention for this honor – long snappers and punters are unlikely contenders.

Tyreek Hill’s remarkable performance this season presents a compelling case for his MVP candidacy. He has already amassed an impressive 1,481 receiving yards and scored 12 touchdowns, playing a pivotal role in leading the AFC East-leading Miami Dolphins to a 9-3 record. Moreover, Hill is on track to break Calvin Johnson’s single-season record for receiving yards, potentially surpassing the elusive 2,000-yard milestone.

Despite these accomplishments, Hill currently finds himself ranked seventh in MVP odds, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Dak Prescott and Brock Purdy share the top spot in these odds, followed by Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes, Tua Tagovailoa, and Lamar Jackson, who are all ahead of Hill in the race.

Hill’s numbers speak for themselves – 3,457 yards, 24 touchdowns, and an impressive 106.0 passer rating. These statistics are a testament to his exceptional talent and contribution to the Miami Dolphins’ success this season.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel emphasizes the synergy between Hill and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, highlighting their ability to elevate each other’s game. Their collaboration has resulted in a unique level of aggressiveness on the field, where trust and shared vision play a pivotal role in their success.

The MVP award has predominantly favored quarterbacks in recent years, with the last ten seasons seeing quarterbacks taking home the honor. Given the quarterback-centric nature of the NFL, this trend is not surprising. Quarterbacks are not only the highest-paid players in the league but also typically the most indispensable on their respective teams. They receive the lion’s share of both praise and criticism, depending on their team’s performance.

Unlike other sports leagues, such as Major League Baseball, where players from losing teams have occasionally won MVP awards, the NFL’s MVP voters place a significant emphasis on a player’s team’s success. In the last decade, eight of the MVP winners played for the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, with the other two belonging to the No. 2 seed.

The MVP award has seen only three non-quarterback, non-running back winners since 1957, when Jim Brown became the first NFL MVP. Alan Page won in 1971 as a defensive tackle, and linebacker Lawrence Taylor secured the honor in 1986. An intriguing anomaly occurred when Mark Moseley received the award during a strike-shortened season, primarily for his remarkable field goal accuracy.

The NFL does acknowledge outstanding players from both sides of the ball through awards like Offensive Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. In recent years, wide receivers and running backs have occasionally claimed the Offensive Player of the Year award, with wide receivers dominating the category in the past four years.

An interesting development in the MVP selection process is the new voting format introduced in 2022. This format allows voters to submit their top five picks for MVP and top three picks for other awards, using a weighted point system. This change could provide non-quarterbacks with a more equitable chance of earning MVP recognition.

In conclusion, the race for the AP NFL MVP award is heating up, and Tyreek Hill’s outstanding season has thrust him into the conversation. While history suggests that quarterbacks typically dominate this accolade, the evolving voting format and the acknowledgment of non-QB excellence in other categories may open the door for a wide receiver like Hill to make history. The final verdict will be revealed at NFL Honors on Feb. 8, leaving football enthusiasts and pundits alike in eager anticipation until then.

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More about NFL MVP Contenders

• Tyreek Hill’s NFL Player Profile
• Current NFL MVP Odds
• Historical NFL MVP Winners
• NFL Honors Ceremony