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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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Lawrence Taylor
Lawrence Taylor (Photo credit should read MARK D. PHILLIPS/AFP via Getty Images) /

Ranking every MVP winner in NFL history: 10. Lawrence Taylor

Stats: 

  • 142 sacks

It’s widely known that the NFL is a mean game. The hits are hard, the plays are fast and the players are stronger. Yet, there never appeared to be anyone meaner, stronger, or anyone who hit harder than Lawrence Taylor.

Even more so than running backs, defensive players are seldom chosen as the MVP of the league. The reasoning is simple, the side of the ball they play on isn’t valued as highly. Also, more importantly, defensive players have their own Defensive Player of the Year award that they can focus on.

On three separate occasions, Lawrence took home the award as the league’s best defensive player but in 1986, not only did he win it again, but he pocketed the league MVP as well. On the year, Taylor led the NFL with 20.5 sacks. Currently, he ranks 14th on the list all-time with 132.5. Taylor was also an eight-time All-Pro selection and ten-time Pro Bowler.

If his credentials weren’t impressive enough, Bill Belichick has consistently placed Taylor number one on his list as the best defensive player he’s ever seen.

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