The NFL MVP award is the most prestigious individual honor in professional football. It has been handed out annually since 1957, recognizing the league’s most outstanding player. However, not every MVP selection has been met with unanimous praise. Some winners sparked controversy due to statistical anomalies, overshadowed performances, or questionable voter biases.
From underwhelming seasons to overlooked candidates, here are the most disputed NFL MVP winners of all time:
Steve McNair (2003, Tennessee Titans)
McNair had a fantastic season, sharing MVP honors with Peyton Manning—the first co-MVPs since 1997. While McNair led the league in passer rating (100.4), Manning had better numbers across the board. Many believe Manning should have won outright.
Boomer Esiason (1988, Cincinnati Bengals)
Esiason led the Bengals to a 12-4 record, but his numbers (28 TDs, 3,572 yards) weren’t as dominant as Dan Marino’s. The perception was that the voters favored team success over individual brilliance.
Shaun Alexander (2005, Seattle Seahawks)
Alexander had a historic season, rushing for 1,880 yards and 27 touchdowns. However, critics argue that he was the beneficiary of an elite offensive line led by Hall of Famer Walter Jones, while Peyton Manning and Tom Brady had more well-rounded seasons.
Rich Gannon (2002, Oakland Raiders)
Gannon led the league in passing yards (4,689) but only threw 26 touchdowns. Some argue that LaDainian Tomlinson or even Michael Vick had more game-changing seasons.
Alan Page (1971, Minnesota Vikings)
Page was a defensive tackle, making his MVP win a rarity. While he was dominant, quarterbacks Bob Griese and Roger Staubach had arguably more impactful seasons.
Matt Ryan (2016, Atlanta Falcons)
Ryan had a career year (4,944 yards, 38 TDs) and led Atlanta to a Super Bowl, but his MVP win over Aaron Rodgers (40 TDs, 610 rushing yards) remains debatable. Some believe Ryan benefited from a loaded offense rather than individual excellence.
John Elway (1987, Denver Broncos)
Elway’s numbers (19 TDs, 3,198 yards) were pedestrian compared to Jerry Rice’s 22 receiving touchdowns in only 12 games. Many argue Rice was robbed.
Cam Newton (2015, Carolina Panthers)
Newton’s dual-threat dominance (45 total TDs) powered the Panthers to a 15-1 record, but Carson Palmer had better passing numbers and was dismissed from MVP talks too quickly.
Mark Moseley (1982, Washington Redskins)
The only kicker to ever win MVP, Moseley’s selection in a strike-shortened season remains baffling. Many believe Dan Fouts or Marcus Allen were far more deserving.
Terry Bradshaw (1978, Pittsburgh Steelers)
Bradshaw was efficient but far from statistically dominant (2,915 yards, 28 TDs). Earl Campbell, who rushed for 1,450 yards and 13 TDs, likely deserved the award more.
Adrian Peterson (2012, Minnesota Vikings)
Peterson’s 2,097 rushing yards were incredible, but he won over Peyton Manning, who had a stellar comeback season with 4,659 yards and 37 TDs. Some argue quarterback bias should have favored Manning.
Lamar Jackson (2019, Baltimore Ravens)
Jackson’s 36 passing TDs and 1,206 rushing yards made him electric, but some analysts felt Russell Wilson had a more complete season and played with less team support.
Marshall Faulk (2000, St. Louis Rams)
Faulk’s 26 total TDs were impressive, but some believe Kurt Warner (who won in 1999) was still the Rams’ most valuable player that season.
Joe Theismann (1983, Washington Redskins)
Theismann had a solid year (3,714 yards, 29 TDs), but Eric Dickerson rushed for over 1,800 yards as a rookie and arguably should have won.
Bart Starr (1966, Green Bay Packers)
Starr’s 14 passing TDs in the inaugural Super Bowl season seem lackluster in hindsight. Johnny Unitas and Don Meredith had better numbers.
Read More: Every NFL MVP’s Season, Ranked From Worst to Best
Peyton Manning (2009, Indianapolis Colts)
Manning had a strong year, but Drew Brees led the league in completion percentage, touchdowns, and passer rating. Many believe Brees was snubbed.
Read More: 20 Heisman Winners Who Disappointed Us in the NFL
Paul Hornung (1961, Green Bay Packers)
Hornung’s 15-touchdown season was impressive, but Jim Brown rushed for 1,408 yards and was arguably robbed.