There is some growing frustration surrounding the MVP award this year as the NFL regular season starts to wind down. Every year, a panel of 50 sports writers votes on who they believe is the Most Valuable Player in the NFL’s regular season year.
Historically, this award has gone to quarterbacks in the NFL. There have been exceptions throughout its history. For example, most fans will probably remember Vikings’ running back Adrian Peterson winning it back in 2012 as well as defensive tackle Alan Page winning it in 1971. He was the only defensive tackle to win the award in league history.
When quarterbacks don’t win the award, it typically means another player really dominated that season. That sentiment brings us to the 2022 season.
Justin Jefferson has been on fire all season, and we’ve seen him break multiple records in Vikings history this season, and he’s on his way to potentially breaking two more NFL records this season.
- Calvin Johnson’s NFL Record for most receiving yards in a single season-1,964 yards
- Michael Thomas’ NFL Record for most receptions in a single season-149 receptions
As it stands today, Jefferson has 123 receptions for 1,756 yards with two games to go, but he hasn’t been in the conversation for MVP.
Former 1st round quarterback Robert Griffin III had some choice words about that this morning on Twitter.
The NFL MVP SHOULDN’T just be a QB Award. The discussion revolves around the best QBs on the best teams but when guys are having a SPECIAL YEAR like Justin Jefferson and Nick Bosa they have EANRED THE RIGHT to be in the conversation. @JJettas2
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) December 28, 2022
Griffin III is absolutely right with his take. While Griffin III and myself believe that Jefferson should be considered for the MVP award, we have a recent example of why that probably won’t happen. Last season, Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp was just as dominant as Jefferson has been this season, including being close to breaking both Thomas’ and Johnson’s single-season records. Even with the season he had, he fell short and only received one of the 50 votes for NFL MVP in 2021.
Maybe Jefferson can break the mold this season. If he is able to break one or both of those records, it makes his argument more compelling.
Even if he doesn’t win the MVP, he’ll likely secure the Offensive Player of the Year award. Regardless of what happens, Vikings fans and Jefferson should be ecstatic about his performances this season and the future of Jefferson in purple.