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NFL MVP award is a blatant lie meant to fool the public

NFL MVP Award: The Quarterback Award in Disguise?

The National Football League’s Most Valuable Player (NFL MVP award) is arguably one of the most prestigious individual honors in professional sports. Every year, players across all positions vie for this accolade, hoping to cement their legacy as the game’s top performer. But is the NFL MVP truly a reflection of the most valuable player across all positions? Or has it morphed into something more specific — a quarterback award in disguise?

Welcome to an in-depth exploration of this controversial topic, inspired by the sharp insights of VDG Sports’ Vince Douglas Gregory. As a seasoned observer of the gridiron, Vince doesn’t just call it like he sees it — he calls the NFL MVP award out for what it really is. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the domination of quarterbacks in the MVP race since the turn of the millennium, the implications of this trend on the fairness of the award, and what it might mean for the future of NFL honors.

Table of Contents

The NFL MVP Award: A Quarterback Stronghold Since 2000

Let’s start with the cold, hard facts. Since the year 2000, the NFL MVP award has been dominated by quarterbacks almost without exception. Out of all the seasons in the past two decades, only four times has the award gone to a player who wasn’t a quarterback. That’s right — just four times in over 20 years.

And who were those rare non-quarterback winners? Running backs. Specifically, running backs who were extraordinary talents, often considered generational players. The most recent running back to claim the MVP was Adrian Peterson in 2012, nearly a decade ago. Before that, other running backs had managed to break through, but these cases have become increasingly rare.

This overwhelming quarterback dominance begs the question: Why is the NFL MVP award so tightly held by quarterbacks? Is it because quarterbacks are truly the most valuable players on the field? Or is the award structurally biased in favor of the position?

Why Quarterbacks Consistently Win the MVP

One of the key reasons quarterbacks have such a stronghold on the NFL MVP award lies in the nature of their role. Quarterbacks are the central figure of an offense. They touch the ball on virtually every offensive play, making them the primary architects of their team’s success.

Consider this: The quarterback touches the ball every single down, except during special teams plays or when they are injured and replaced. They are the “brains on the field,” responsible for reading defenses, making split-second decisions, and executing precise throws under pressure. This level of involvement means their impact on the game is more visible and measurable than most other positions.

Because the quarterback is involved in nearly every offensive play, their statistics—passing yards, touchdowns, completion percentage, quarterback rating—are front and center in the narrative of a team’s performance. This focus naturally elevates quarterbacks in the eyes of voters who decide the MVP award.

The Running Back Exception: A Vanishing Breed

While quarterbacks have dominated, the few exceptions have been running backs. However, running backs face unique challenges that make their MVP victories increasingly unlikely. The average NFL running back’s career is notoriously short, often lasting only three to five years due to the physical toll of the position. This limited window makes it difficult for running backs to sustain the kind of dominance necessary to win an MVP.

Even when running backs do shine, the evolving nature of NFL offenses has shifted away from a run-heavy focus toward pass-oriented attacks. This shift further diminishes the running back’s chances of capturing the MVP spotlight, as their role becomes more specialized and less central to the team’s overall success.

Adrian Peterson’s 2012 MVP season stands out as a remarkable exception. His sheer dominance that year—rushing for over 2,000 yards and nearly breaking the single-season rushing record—was impossible to overlook. But such once-in-a-generation seasons are rare, and the NFL’s offensive landscape has only become more quarterback-centric since then.

Comparing Value Across Positions: The Challenge

One of the fundamental problems with the NFL MVP award is the difficulty in comparing value across different positions. How do you fairly measure a defensive player’s impact against a quarterback’s? Or a wide receiver’s contributions versus a running back’s?

Defensive players, special teams stars, and other non-quarterbacks often have game-changing impacts that don’t always show up in traditional statistics. For example, a cornerback shutting down the opposing team’s best receiver or a linebacker leading a dominant defense can be invaluable. Yet, these contributions rarely translate into MVP votes.

The quarterback’s constant involvement and easily quantifiable stats skew the perception of value. This imbalance leads to a systemic bias that favors quarterbacks when it comes to MVP voting.

Is It Time to Rename the NFL MVP Award?

Given the clear quarterback dominance and the structural biases inherent in the award, some football analysts and fans have proposed a provocative idea: Why not just rename the NFL MVP award the “Best Quarterback Award”?

This suggestion isn’t meant to diminish the importance of the quarterback position. In fact, it’s an acknowledgment of the reality of the modern NFL. Quarterbacks are the focal point of offenses, the leaders on the field, and the players most likely to influence the outcome of games. Recognizing this openly could bring clarity and honesty to the award.

More importantly, creating a separate award for other positions could provide a fairer system that highlights excellence across the entire spectrum of football roles. Imagine an “NFL Defensive Player of the Year” award that carries the same prestige and attention as the MVP, or a special honor for outstanding running backs, wide receivers, and special teams players. This approach would allow the league to celebrate the full diversity of talent that makes the NFL great.

Benefits of Position-Specific Awards

  • Fair Recognition: Players who dominate their positions but don’t have the spotlight like quarterbacks would get the accolades they deserve.
  • Encourages Excellence: Position-specific awards could motivate players across the board to strive for greatness, knowing their efforts can be formally recognized.
  • Improved Fan Engagement: Fans could engage in more nuanced debates and appreciate the game’s complexity beyond just the quarterback’s role.
  • Balanced Media Coverage: Media narratives wouldn’t be overwhelmingly quarterback-centric, promoting a more holistic view of the game.

Understanding the Quarterback’s Unique Role in Modern NFL Offenses

To fully grasp why the NFL MVP award has become a quarterback showcase, it’s essential to understand how NFL offenses have evolved over the years.

Modern NFL offenses revolve around the passing game more than ever before. Rules that protect quarterbacks and receivers have encouraged teams to develop high-octane aerial attacks. The quarterback is at the center of this evolution, tasked with reading defenses, making audibles, and delivering accurate passes under pressure.

The complexity of offensive schemes has increased, making the quarterback’s mental game as important as their physical skills. From pre-snap reads to post-snap adjustments, the quarterback operates like a field general, commanding the offense’s every move.

Given this centrality, it’s no surprise that quarterbacks naturally emerge as the most visible and statistically dominant players on the field. This visibility translates into MVP votes, as voters often reward players who have the most tangible impact on winning games.

The Impact of Offensive Schemes on MVP Voting

Offensive schemes today are designed to maximize the quarterback’s strengths. Spread offenses, quick passing games, and RPOs (run-pass options) all put the ball in the quarterback’s hands frequently. This design means that even a solid, steady quarterback can put up impressive numbers that catch voters’ eyes.

Meanwhile, other positions, such as running backs or defensive stars, might not have the same consistent opportunity to influence the game in statistically obvious ways. This disparity creates a natural bias toward quarterbacks in MVP discussions.

Addressing the Fairness Debate: Is the NFL MVP Award Truly Fair?

Is it fair that the NFL MVP award almost always goes to quarterbacks? The answer depends on how you define “value.” If value means the player who touches the ball most and has the most direct impact on the offense, then yes, quarterbacks fit that bill. But if value means the player who is most indispensable to their team’s success regardless of position, the answer becomes less clear.

Football is a team sport with many moving parts. Defensive stalwarts, special teams aces, and versatile offensive players often swing games without garnering MVP attention. The current MVP award structure tends to overlook these contributions because their impact is harder to quantify and less visible in highlight reels.

Vince Douglas Gregory’s straightforward critique—calling out the NFL for not being honest about the MVP’s quarterback bias—rings true. The award’s name suggests it honors the league’s most valuable player, but in practice, it honors the best quarterback. This disconnect creates frustration among fans and players alike who believe other positions deserve equal consideration.

Potential Solutions Beyond Renaming

While renaming the award is one solution, other ideas could help address fairness:

  • Revamp Voting Criteria: Adjust the MVP voting process to place more emphasis on impact beyond statistics, considering leadership, game-changing plays, and defensive prowess.
  • Increase Voter Diversity: Ensure voters include a broader range of experts who appreciate contributions from all positions.
  • Create Additional Awards: Complement the MVP with new honors that recognize excellence in defense, special teams, and offensive skill positions.
  • Promote Advanced Metrics: Use analytics to better capture the value of non-quarterback players in MVP discussions.

The Future of the NFL MVP Award

The NFL MVP award’s quarterback dominance is unlikely to change dramatically without deliberate action. As long as the quarterback remains the focal point of offenses and the most statistically prominent player on the field, MVP voters will naturally gravitate toward quarterbacks.

However, the conversation around the award’s fairness is growing louder. Fans, analysts, and insiders are increasingly aware of the need to recognize the full spectrum of talent in the NFL. This awareness could lead to meaningful changes in how the league honors its players.

Whether that means renaming the MVP award, creating new position-specific accolades, or adjusting voting criteria, the NFL is at a crossroads. The choices made will shape how the league celebrates excellence for years to come.

Conclusion: Time to Keep the NFL Honest

After examining the facts, the history, and the evolving nature of football, the truth is clear: The NFL MVP award as it stands today functions as a quarterback award in disguise. This reality isn’t accidental; it’s the natural consequence of the quarterback’s unique role and the way the game has evolved.

It’s time for the NFL to be honest with itself and its fans. Calling the MVP award what it really is—the Best Quarterback Award—would bring clarity and fairness to the conversation. More importantly, the league should create additional awards that celebrate the outstanding contributions of players in all positions.

By doing so, the NFL would honor the true diversity and complexity of football talent, giving credit where credit is due and enriching the experience for fans, players, and voters alike.

So, NFL, step up to the table. It’s your turn to keep the game honest, fair, and exciting for everyone. Because if you don’t, who will?

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