Patrick Mahomes just won his second career regular-season MVP award. Given that he’s only 27 years old, the Kansas City Chiefs superstar still might add a few more trophies to his mantle in the coming years. But with Super Bowl 57 looming this Sunday, Mahomes’ newest MVP honor might spell out pending disappointment on his plate.
That is if recent history is any indication.
You see, MVP players don’t typically do well in the Big Game. In fact, in the 21st century alone, the last eight regular-season MVPs to make it to the Super Bowl lost. Kurt Warner with the then St Louis. Rams was the previous MVP to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in 1999.
Here’s the rather (shocking?) list of MVPs who have lost the Big Game ever since:
- Kurt Warner, Rams (2001)
- Rich Gannon, Las Vegas Raiders (2002)
- Tom Brady, New England Patriots (2007)
- Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts (2009)
- Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos (2013)
- Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers (2015)
- Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons (2016)
- Tom Brady, Patriots (2017)
Overall, in the 56-year history of the Super Bowl, only 10 MVPs (quarterback or not) have actually won the championship. I know. I’m as surprised as you are reading such numbers.
None of this is to say you should rule out Mahomes taking the Chiefs back to the top of the NFL just because of another MVP. Because, you know, he’s pretty good! But, in this scenario, history wouldn’t be on his side in adding another ring to his hand.