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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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O.J. Simpson
O.J. Simpson (Photo by Ross Lewis/Getty Images) /

Ranking every MVP winner in NFL history: 18. O.J. Simpson

Stats:

  • 11,236 rushing yards
  • 61 rushing touchdowns

Most of O.J. Simpson’s most recent notoriety came from his inability to keep himself out of trouble. But while a large portion of this generation knows him for all the wrong reasons, those who grew up in the 1970s, knew Simpson for being one of the greatest running backs the NFL has ever seen.

Simpson was a star at USC. In back-to-back seasons, he rushed for over 1,500 yards and at least 13 touchdowns. He didn’t, however, have the same impact in the league initially, rushing for an average of 642 yards in his first three years with the Buffalo Bills. Once he figured things out on the next level the following season, he had one of the best runs in running back history.

For five consecutive seasons, Simpson rushed for a minimum of 1,125 yards. His best year came in 1973 when he led the league in rushing yards with 2,003 and 12 scores. Simpson’s 143.1 rushing yards per game that season is far and away from the highest average in a single season in league history for a running back. The second closest is Jim Brown with 133.1.

Simpson’s historic season led him directly to the league MVP award, along with an All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection.

Try as Simpson did, his ability to either run over defenders or rush past them, was ultimately extraneous in the long haul. Simpson made only one appearance in the playoffs. For a player as great as he was, he couldn’t come close to competing for a Lombardi.

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