Year after year, especially since 2012, the MVP race follows a tired formula: quarterbacks front and center, everyone else fading into the background. Since 1966, QBs have claimed 44 MVPs. Defensive players? Just two. Running backs? A shrinking minority. And while the NFL evolves, the voters’ habits remain stuck on repeat.
The Voter Bias Problem
The MVP isn’t just about stats, it’s about storylines, and quarterbacks dominate that narrative. Voters favor QBs because they touch the ball on every play and are seen as key decision-makers. The award has become more about leadership and team success than raw talent.
Even exceptional non-QB seasons, like those of Cooper Kupp (2021) and Derrick Henry (2020), often get overshadowed, with quarterbacks taking home the trophy.
Why 2025’s Real NFL MVP Won’t Be a Quarterback
Christian McCaffrey, Tyreek Hill, and Micah Parsons are demanding respect as they redefine what it means to be valuable, igniting debates and prompting analysts to consider whether a non-quarterback can finally win MVP.
These game-changers have the firepower to challenge the quarterbacks for the crown.
Tyreek Hill: Speed That Breaks the Mold
Wide receivers are long shots for the MVP, but Tyreek Hill stands out. His 2024-25 season has been electrifying, with multiple 100-yard games and highlight-reel plays that leave defenders behind.
The main barrier to his candidacy is voter reluctance, as no wideout has ever won the award. However, if the Dolphins make a deep playoff run and Hill keeps shining, the league may have to take notice. He’s not just contributing, he’s changing outcomes.
Christian McCaffrey: The Dual-Threat Dynamo
McCaffrey isn’t just a running back, he’s an offensive system. In 2023, he tied franchise records for games with 100+ scrimmage yards and matched Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk for most games with both a rushing and receiving touchdown. His consistency and impact are unparalleled.
As San Francisco’s heartbeat, McCaffrey could be the first RB MVP since Adrian Peterson in 2012 if the 49ers thrive in the NFC. His biggest challenge? Quarterbacks overshadow him, even when they aren’t the true driving force.
Micah Parsons: The Disruptor-in-Chief
Micah Parson is dominating like few defenders have since Lawrence Taylor, generating MVP whispers with 12 sacks in 13 games in 2024. As Dallas’s best weapon, he could be only the third defender to win the award.
However, NFL MVP voting rarely favors defenders. To win, Parsons would need a historic season filled with game-changing moments that elevate his team’s success.
C.J. Stroud: The Rookie Who’s Already in the Mix
Ironically, amidst strong non-QB performances, C.J. Stroud has emerged as a major MVP contender. He averaged nearly 300 yards per game in his rookie season, and if the Texans make the playoffs, he could become the first rookie QB to win the award.
Stroud’s rise highlights his talent and the QB-centric focus of voters, which often overshadows the contributions of non-QB players, reinforcing the narrative that the MVP is primarily a quarterback’s honor.
For McCaffrey, Hill, or Parsons to break through, they must dominate with prime-time performances and strong playoff pushes while some QB contenders falter.
Though challenging, it’s not impossible to shift the narrative. The 2025 MVP race is intriguing; while quarterbacks are the safe bet, McCaffrey, Hill, and Parsons could surprise. One standout season might change everything.
And after they tick every criterion, “If 2025 isn’t the year, maybe the NFL MVP is just another quarterback stat.”
