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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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Brett Favre
Brett Favre (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

Ranking every MVP winner in NFL history 3. Brett Favre

Stats:

  • 71,838 passing yards
  • 508 touchdowns
  • 336 interceptions

There is no bigger gunslinger in the history of the NFL than Brett Favre. More times than not, you weren’t going to get a check-down pass or a simple screen pass. Maybe that would’ve ultimately led to more success but that just wasn’t who Favre was.

Even now, Favre is the only player in history to win three straight MVP awards. He’s also the only player to throw 336 interceptions.

It was all about risk vs reward for Favre.

After winning it all in 1996, Favre would never recapture that championship feeling. But for about 15 years, no one kept defensive coordinators up at night longer than Favre. It was the arm angles, the arm strength, the ability to adjust when a play broke down, etc. All of that and more made Favre special.

Still, as previously mentioned, he got himself in trouble…a lot. On 14 separate occasions, Favre ranked in the top ten in interceptions. Six of those times, he threw at least 21. He also had 16 seasons where he ranked in the top ten in passing yards and led the league twice.

Could Favre have gotten more team success if he simply took the more sensible play? Sure. But with several MVP awards, a Super Bowl ring, and a Hall of Fame plaque, it’s hard to argue with the results.

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