Non-quarterbacks who came closest to winning NFL MVP after Adrian Peterson

The NFL MVP award is one of the most prestigious individual honors in football. It sits alongside the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, but for over a decade, the former has been a quarterback’s prize. Since Adrian Peterson’s historic 2012 season, no one playing another position has managed to claim the prize, despite some legendary seasonal performances. 

Every year, elite running backs, wide receivers, and defensive superstars put together dominant seasons, only to be overlooked in favor of quarterbacks. Even when their impact is undeniable, MVP voters continue to favor the players under center.

Despite Saquon Barkley's phenomenal regular-season campaign, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson were the favorites to win at the NFL Honors again before Super Bowl LIX. Yes, more quarterbacks...

It serves as a reminder of how difficult it is for other positions to break through. That said, here are a few stars who have come very close in recent seasons.

2014: J.J. Watt’s defensive dominance wasn't enough.

J.J. Watt came closer than any defensive player to winning MVP since Lawrence Taylor’s 1986 triumph. Watt’s 2014 campaign was nothing short of legendary—20.5 sacks, a league-high 29 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, and even three offensive touchdowns as a goal-line tight end.

His 119 pressures set a Pro Football Focus (PFF) record, and he was a game-wrecker on every snap. Despite his dominance, Aaron Rodgers’ 4,381-yard, 38-touchdown season led the Packers to a 12-4 record, earning him MVP over Watt, who settled for Defensive Player of the Year.

2016: Ezekiel Elliott’s massive rookie season fell short.

Rookie sensation Ezekiel Elliott powered the Cowboys to a 13-3 record, rushing for 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 363 receiving yards. His impact was undeniable, but with no clear standout QB, voters leaned toward Matt Ryan, who threw for 4,994 yards and 38 touchdowns.

Ryan’s MVP win was one of the closest in recent history. Some blame Elliott’s MVP shortcomings on his fellow rookie teammate and quarterback Dak Prescott, who received just as much praise for the Cowboys' success—ultimately canceling out each other’s MVP chances.

2017: Todd Gurley’s dual-threat brilliance couldn't overcome Tom Brady.

Todd Gurley dominated this season, leading the NFL in scrimmage yards (2,093) and total touchdowns (19). His explosive production helped the Rams transform from a 4-12 team to NFC West champions.

However, with frontrunner Carson Wentz getting injured late in the season, voters turned to Tom Brady, who threw for 4,577 yards and 32 touchdowns. Brady secured 40 of the 50 first-place votes and Gurley finished a distant second.

2021: Cooper Kupp’s triple crown season wasn’t enough.

Cooper Kupp became just the fourth player since 1970 to win the receiving triple crown, leading the league in receptions (145), yards (1,947), and touchdowns (16). Despite his historic season, the MVP race remained a quarterback battle between Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady.

Rodgers won his fourth MVP over Brady after leading Green Bay to an NFC No. 1 seed. However, Kupp did go on to lead the Los Angeles Rams to a Super Bowl-winning season. He also took home Super Bowl MVP honors after recording eight receptions, 92 yards, and two touchdowns.

2023: Christian McCaffrey’s late push falls short to Lamar Jackson.

Christian McCaffrey’s 2023 campaign was one of the most well-rounded by a running back in recent history. He racked up 2,023 scrimmage yards and 21 total touchdowns, carrying the 49ers' offense.

By Week 16, he was a legitimate MVP contender, but after a loss to Baltimore, Lamar Jackson solidified his case. Jackson’s 3,678 passing yards, 821 rushing yards, and 13-4 record helped him win every first-place vote but one, leaving McCaffrey to settle for Offensive Player of the Year.

Will the uphill battle for non-quarterbacks in the MVP continue in the foreseeable future?

As the NFL continues to evolve into a quarterback-driven league, the MVP award remains a near lock for signal-callers. While players like Watt, Elliott, Gurley, Kupp, and McCaffrey put together historic seasons, they ultimately fell short.

It would take an all-time performance, or perhaps a shift in voter mentality, for a non-QB to break the streak. However, as the NFL becomes more versatile and playmakers continue to push the boundaries, the possibility is never completely off the table.

Read more Eagles news: