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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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Shaun Alexander
Shaun Alexander (Photo by Suzi Pratt/Getty Images for American Express) /

Ranking every MVP winner in NFL history: 23. Shaun Alexander

Stats:

  • 9,453 rushing yards
  • 100 rushing touchdowns

For the most part, running backs are viewed as almost inconsequential to winning and losing. They may bring fans out of their seats and find themselves countless times on highlight reel tapes but for some reason, backs aren’t always given love.

Quarterbacks, of course, are viewed as the engine that pushes the franchise to new heights. Yet, in the mid-2000s, running backs made their voices and contributions heard.

In 2006, Adrian Peterson took home the league MVP award. But before he ran circles around the league and bullied his way into the end zone, Shaun Alexander was doing the exact same thing. With three Pro Bowls to his name, Alexander didn’t have the longevity of the players on this list but when he was in his prime, few were as good as him.

In 2005, after rushing for 1,880 yards and 27 touchdowns, Alexander took home the league MVP award. In total, Alexander was only in the league for nine seasons, and in only five of them, was he considered elite. Despite that, his numbers are all over the record books.

Alexander’s 100 rushing touchdowns are good for eighth all-time and his 9,453 rushing yards are good for 36th all time. If Alexander had stuck around longer, he would’ve been a bonafide Hall of Famer.

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