Since the National Football League’s inception in 1920, there have been a handful of first-year players who have made a significant impact and been named MVP. Most recently, in 2012, NFL rookie of the year Adrian Peterson racked up 2,097 yards on the ground, ultimately taking home MVP honors. While it’s rare for a first-year player to be named MVP, it does happen from time to time. In fact, of the last 10 MVPs, three have been first-year players. So what are the odds of a rookie taking home MVP honors?
Interestingly enough, the odds are actually quite good. Of the 53 MVPs in NFL history, 13 have been first-year players. That means that nearly 25% of all MVPs have been rookies. And when you consider that there have only been 18 MVPs awarded since 1990, that number jumps to over 72%. So while it may be rare for a rookie to win MVP, it’s actually not as uncommon as you might think.
Has a rookie ever won MVP NFL
In NFL history, there have been a handful of Rookie of the Year award winners who have gone on to become MVPs. Most recently, this was the case for Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz in 2017. But Wentz is far from the only player to achieve this distinction. In fact, there have been seven other players who have won both awards in the same season: Earl Campbell (1978), Billy Sims (1980), Lawrence Taylor (1981), Mike Singletary (1985), Emmitt Smith (1991), Offensive Rookie of the Year Randy Moss (1998) and Defensive Rookie of the Year Brian Urlacher (2000). As these examples show, it is certainly possible for a rookie to go on to win MVP honors in the NFL. However, it should be noted that this is a rare achievement; in most cases, it takes several years for a player to develop into an MVP-caliber talent.
Who are the current MVP NFL players and what makes them so successful
The current MVPs in the NFL are quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens. Both players had incredible seasons in 2019, with Mahomes leading the Chiefs to a Super Bowl victory and Jackson taking home Offensive Player of the Year honors. So what makes these two players so successful?
For one, they are both extremely talented and have a knack for making big plays. Mahomes is known for his improvisational abilities, while Jackson is one of the most electrifying players in the league. Additionally, they are both very accurate passers; Mahomes completed 66% of his passes in 2019, while Jackson completed a staggering 73.1% of his attempts. Finally, they are both very mobile quarterbacks who can pick up crucial yards with their legs. In 2019, Jackson rushed for 1,206 yards and seven touchdowns, while Mahomes tallied 446 rushing yards and two scores.
How do you become an MVP NFL player and what skills are required?
Becoming an MVP in the NFL requires a combination of talent, skill, and hard work. Obviously, players need to have the raw talent to be able to compete at the highest level. But they also need to have the drive and determination to be the best. Additionally, they must be able to stay healthy and avoid serious injuries. And finally, they need to have the right mix of skills. For quarterbacks, this includes accuracy, arm strength, and decision-making. For running backs, it means being able to run with power and speed, while also having the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. And for wide receivers, it means having the speed to get open and the hands to make the catch. Whatever the position, becoming an MVP takes a special mix of talent, skill, and hard work.
