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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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Roman Gabriel
Roman Gabriel (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

Ranking every MVP winner in NFL history: 28. Roman Gabriel

Stats:

  • 29,444 passing yards
  • 201 touchdowns
  • 149 interceptions

For a short three year stretch, it was practically impossible for anyone, other than Roman Gabriel, to be considered the best quarterback in the NFL.

From 1967-1969, Gabriel led the Los Angeles Rams to a record of 32-7-3. While doing so, he constantly threw for over 2,300 yards and roughly 20 touchdowns. Gabriel would pick up three of his four Pro Bowl selections but seldom ran into any playoff success, failing to make it past the first round.

Still, Gabriel netted an MVP award in 1969 after throwing for 2,549 yards, a league-leading 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Gabriel would continue to play well for the duration of his career, even leading the league in passing yards in 1973 with 3,219. The numbers may have looked great but as a team, the Rams simply didn’t respond, racking up a record of 35-40-3 from 1970-1976.

Between Gabriel’s lack of postseason success and his erratic play, he simply wasn’t good enough to lead the Rams to a Lombardi.

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