At the league’s award ceremony on Thursday in Las Vegas, quarterback Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens won NFL MVP for the second consecutive year.
A worldwide panel consisting of former players, coaches, and members of the media who cover the NFL regularly cast 49 of the possible 50 first-place votes for Jackson. Josh Allen, the quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, was the only other player to cast a ballot.
Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys finished second in the voting, behind only Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers and teammate Brock Purdy. Allen came in fifth overall, making Jackson the ninth player in Super Bowl history to win two MVP awards.
With 16 starts throughout the regular season, Jackson guided the Ravens to a 13-3 record. He also ran for 821 yards and five touchdowns and passed for 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns. However, his team was one play away from the Super Bowl after losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game.
Jackson remarked, “I’d rather send in a video to win the award,” in reference to the Ravens’ failure to make the Super Bowl. Although it is an honour to be here for the award, I would much rather accept it during the Super Bowl.
“I am really grateful to my offensive line and offence for everything they have done. I’m not out there doing everything—blocking, catching the ball, etc. It’s my group. These prizes are a collaborative effort.”
The only other players to win multiple MVPs are Peyton Manning (five), Aaron Rodgers (four), Tom Brady (three), Brett Favre (three), Patrick Mahomes (two), Joe Montana (two), Steve Young (two), and Kurt Warner (two). Jackson is the only player to win multiple MVPs before reaching 28.
Cleveland’s Myles Garrett won defensive player of the year, McCaffrey was chosen offensive player of the year, and Kevin Stefanski of the Browns was awarded coach of the year.
During his first full season in San Francisco, McCaffrey led the NFL in rushing yards (1,459), yards from scrimmage (2,023), and touchdowns (21). He also tied for first in touchdowns (21) and received 39 of the first-place votes, compared to Tyreek Hill’s seven.
