More than the trophy

The greatest NFL award seasons.

Sportsboxd's editorial rankings of the seasons that made each award feel inevitable. These are not an algorithmic leaderboard: the case is the production, stakes, winning and lasting change each season created.

MVP

Greatest NFL MVP seasons

The winning seasons that combined record-setting production, team success and a changed idea of what the position could be.

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Featured: Peyton Manning, 2013

Super Bowl MVP

Greatest Super Bowl MVP performances

The best individual championship-game performances from the player named the Super Bowl's MVP.

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Featured: Joe Montana, 1989

Offensive Player

Greatest NFL Offensive Player of the Year seasons

The most explosive offensive seasons among AP Offensive Player of the Year winners.

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Featured: LaDainian Tomlinson, 2006

Defensive Player

Greatest NFL Defensive Player of the Year seasons

The defenders whose production changed game plans for an entire league.

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Featured: Lawrence Taylor, 1986

Offensive Rookie

Greatest NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year seasons

Immediate offensive stardom from AP's Offensive Rookie of the Year winners.

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Featured: Eric Dickerson, 1983

Defensive Rookie

Greatest NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year seasons

The rookie defenders who immediately became a problem for offenses.

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Featured: Lawrence Taylor, 1981

Award winner histories remain available in Library search. These rankings are editorial curation; award recipients are tied to the league and Associated Press historical archives linked on each list.