The NFL MVP Award, a prestigious recognition for individual brilliance, has predominantly been won by quarterbacks in recent years. With the league evolving into a pass-heavy competition, quarterbacks play a pivotal role in leading their teams to success. Among them, some stand out for their achievements and their young age at the time of receiving the award.
With that said, here’s a look at the top five youngest quarterbacks to claim the NFL MVP title in the league’s history.
5. Lamar Jackson – 26 Years Old (2023 Season)
Lamar Jackson became a two-time NFL MVP during the 2023 season at the age of 26. Jackson threw for 3,678 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions in 16 games, achieving a passer rating of 102.7. He also excelled as a rusher, recording 764 yards and five rushing touchdowns.
Jackson’s leadership helped the Baltimore Ravens finish the season with a 12-5 record and a top spot in the AFC North. Despite facing a lot of competition in the MVP race, Jackson’s ability to impact games both through the air and on the ground made him the unanimous choice. His 2023 MVP win and third Pro Bowl nod show just how dominant he is in the league.
Also Read: From Dak Prescott To Jordan Love: List Of Top 5 Highest-Paid QBs In NFL History
4. Bert Jones – 25 Years Old (1976 Season)
Bert Jones became the NFL MVP in 1976 at the age of 25, leading the Baltimore Colts to an 11-3 record and an AFC East title. Jones threw for 3,104 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions, finishing the season with a passer rating of 102.5, a remarkable feat during the era of run-heavy offenses.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
Jones was known for his strong arm and his ability to take charge of the Colts’ offense, which ranked among the league’s best that year. His leadership on the field earned him MVP honors despite facing competition from legendary players like Roger Staubach and Fran Tarkenton. Although injuries later impacted his career, Jones’ 1976 season remains a highlight, showcasing his immense talent and potential.
3. Dan Marino – 23 Years Old (1984 Season)
Dan Marino set the NFL on fire in 1984, becoming the league MVP at just 23 years old. He threw for an unprecedented 5,084 yards and 48 touchdowns, both of which were single-season records at the time. Marino’s passer rating of 108.9 stood as one of the highest in NFL history for a quarterback in his era, as he redefined what a high-powered passing offense could achieve.
His Miami Dolphins finished the season with a 14-2 record, reaching Super Bowl XIX, although they ultimately fell to the San Francisco 49ers. Marino’s ability to read defenses, release the ball quickly, and throw with pinpoint accuracy made him a generational talent.
Also Read: Ranking The Top 7 Quarterbacks With The Most Passing Yards In NFL History
2. Patrick Mahomes – 23 Years Old (2018 Season)
Patrick Mahomes captured the NFL MVP Award in 2018 at 23 years old, in just his first full season as a starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. Mahomes threw for 5,097 yards and 50 touchdowns, joining Peyton Manning and Tom Brady as the only quarterbacks in NFL history to achieve 50 passing touchdowns in a single season. His 12 interceptions and a passer rating of 113.8 showed his ability to make big plays while limiting mistakes.
Mahomes’ performance helped the Chiefs finish with a 12-4 record and reach the AFC Championship Game for the first time in 25 years. His explosive arm strength, accuracy, and ability to create plays under pressure transformed the Chiefs into one of the NFL’s most feared offenses. Mahomes’ MVP season was a precursor to his eventual Super Bowl success in the following years.
1. Lamar Jackson – 22 Years Old (2019 Season)
Lamar Jackson made history in 2019 as the youngest quarterback to win the NFL MVP Award at 22 years old. During the regular season, Jackson threw for 3,127 yards, 36 touchdowns, and only six interceptions, finishing with a passer rating of 113.3. In addition to his passing prowess, Jackson set the single-season rushing record for a quarterback with 1,206 yards, further demonstrating his versatility.
Jackson led the Baltimore Ravens to an NFL-best 14-2 record, earning the top seed in the AFC. His historic season included becoming the second unanimous MVP in NFL history, a distinction he shares with Tom Brady (2010). Jackson’s ability to dominate games as both a passer and a runner redefined the quarterback position, silencing critics who doubted his dual-threat capabilities. His 2019 season is still one of the best by a quarterback in league history.
Also Read: NFL Quarterback Rankings: All 8 QBs Ranked After The Divisional Round Games From WORST To FIRST
