Every year, the NFL crowns its MVP, the one player who is considered the most impactful throughout the season.
But occasionally, there are several players who fit the role. Is it possible for two people to be awarded the NFL MVP award?
History of Co-MVPs in the NFL
The NFL hasn’t frequently awarded a co-MVP award, but it has happened before. In both instances, two players tied in the voting, and rather than hold a run-off vote, the NFL decided to honor both players.
In 1997, Packers quarterback Brett Favre and Lions running back Barry Sanders were named co-MVPs after they each garnered 18 votes for the award, or 37.5% of the votes in total.
Favre finished the season having completed 59.3% of his passes for 3,867 yards, a league-high 35 passing touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. He led the Packers to a 13-3 record and eventually to a Super Bowl loss against the Broncos.
Sanders posted the best season of his career, racking up a league-high 2,053 rushing yards.
In 2003, Peyton Manning and Steve McNair were also crowned co-MVPs.
Manning was coming off a prolific season with the Colts that saw him lead the league in completion percentage (67) and passing yards (4,267) while adding 29 touchdowns compared to just 10 interceptions. It was his first MVP win, and he would go on to win four more throughout his career.
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McNair completed 62.5% of his passes for 3,215 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions despite playing in just 14 games. He led the league with a 100.4 passer rating and 8.0 yards per attempt and added four rushing touchdowns.
Each player received 16 votes (32% of the ballots) to take home the shared award.
Could Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey Be Co-MVPs?
Brock Purdy currently leads the MVP race, but some may be hesitant to give him their vote as he has performed well under a loaded offense. This includes running back Christian McCaffrey, who has been phenomenal for the team this season.
Both the quarterback and running back have put up strong numbers this season. But would voters be willing to give a co-MVP to players on the same team?
Entering Week 16, Purdy has odds of -230 to win his first MVP, according to Caesars Sportsbook. McCaffrey currently sits in third with odds of +550.
Purdy stated that McCaffrey should win MVP following the 49ers’ dominant win over the Cardinals in Week 15. McCaffrey scored three touchdowns in the 45-29 win, leading the team in rushing and receiving yards as well.
“Dude, I think Christian should be the MVP,” the 49ers quarterback told reporters when asked if he could state the running back’s case for the award. “I really do believe that. He does everything for us — runs the ball well, can catch it. He does everything. So, in my eyes, that’s an MVP.”
McCaffrey has certainly made a case for himself. He has scored a scrimmage touchdown in 23 of his 25 games with the 49ers, including 20 total touchdowns this season.
He leads the NFL in rush yards (1,292), scrimmage yards (1,801), scrimmage touchdowns (20), yards after contact (596), receiving yards for a running back (509), 10+ yard runs (38), and rushing first downs (74).
Purdy has also had a strong season as he has completed 69.8% of his passes for 3,795 yards, 29 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
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