How Many Rookies Have Won MVP in the NFL?
Contents
How many rookies have won the NFL MVP? Here’s a list of the seven players who have won the award since it was first given out in 1957.
Introduction
In the National Football League (NFL), the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is given to the player who is considered to have the most impact on his team’s success. This can be judged by a number of factors, including statistics, team record, and public opinion. In some cases, rookies have made an immediate impact and have been awarded the MVP in their first season. This is a rare accomplishment, but it does happen from time to time. Here is a list of all the rookies who have won NFL MVP.
List of NFL Rookie MVPs
Since the NFL’s inception in 1920, there have been 11 rookie quarterbacks who have been awarded MVP. In addition to the quarterbacks, there have been 3 defensive players & 1 running back to win the award. The most recent winner was Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who was drafted in the 4th round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
-Dak Prescott (2016)
-Marcus Mariota (2015)
-Odell Beckham Jr. (2014)
-Eddie Lacy (2013)
-Robert Griffin III (2012)
-Cam Newton (2011)
-Sam Bradford (2010)
-Matt Ryan (2008)
-Vince Young (2006)
-Carson Palmer (2003)
Discussion of Notable Rookies Who Didn’t Win MVP
Of the nine rookies who have received MVP votes in NFL history, only four have won the award. The most recent was Cam Newton in 2011, who was also the most recent overall MVP. So, while it’s not impossible for a rookie to take home the prestigious honor, it’s certainly a tall task.
Notable rookies who have come close but ultimately fallen short include Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, who finished second in voting in 1987, and quarterback Peyton Manning, who finished third in his rookie season of 1998. In more recent years, quarterback Russell Wilson (2012) and running back Alvin Kamara (2017) have both received MVP votes but ultimately fell short.
Conclusion
Out of the 53 NFL MVPs awarded since 1957, only 11 have been given to rookies. This means that rookies make up just over 20% of the total MVP winners in the NFL. Considering how difficult it is for rookies to make a significant impact in the NFL, this is a pretty impressive statistic. While there have been some great veteran players who have won MVP multiple times, it is clear that the award is not out of reach for rookies.
