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NFL: Ranking every MVP winner in league history based on pro career

By Hans Themistode

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 11: Running back Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball during a NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 11: Running back Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball during a NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images) /
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Paul Hornung
Paul Hornung (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

Ranking every MVP winner in NFL history: 49. Paul Hornung

Stats: 

  • 3,711 rushing yards
  • 385 passing yards

The 1950s and 60s were truly a much different time than today. Paul Hornung can attest to that.

Not only did the Green Bay Packer lifer play the running back position but he also played a bit of quarterback as well. His stats from either position weren’t exactly dominant. Despite starting ten games in 1958, Hornung completed just one, of his six pass attempts. He was known far more for his running ability, racking 310 yards on the ground that season. Hornung even played on special teams in 1958 and returned ten balls for 248 yards.

All of his numbers ultimately allowed him to become the second player in NFL history to win the MVP award.

You won’t find the Hall of Famer on any all-time list in terms of either rushing or passing yards but, during a time where leather helmets were still present and defenses weren’t exactly complexed, Hornung stood out.

Before he hung up his cleats, he also managed to make two Pro Bowl rosters and was selected to two All-Pro teams as well. That subsequently equated to three Lombardi trophies in a five-year stretch.

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