Has a Kicker Ever Won MVP?
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A kicker has indeed won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the National Football League (NFL), with Mark Moseley of the then-Washington Redskins (now known as the Commanders) being the first and only kicker to receive this prestigious award in 1982. This achievement was notable, especially considering the 1982 season was shortened due to a players’ strike, resulting in each team playing only nine games, which opened the door for unusual occurrences and standout performances like Moseley’s.
Introduction to the Exceptional Season of Mark Moseley
The Achievements of Mark Moseley
Mark Moseley’s remarkable season in 1982 was highlighted by his impressive 20 of 21 field-goal attempts and his streak of 23 consecutive field goals made between the 1981 and 1982 seasons. This consistency and accuracy under pressure were key factors in his MVP award, marking a rare instance where a special teams player was recognized as the league’s most valuable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kickers and the MVP Award
1. Has a Kicker Ever Won Super Bowl MVP?
A placekicker has never won the Super Bowl MVP trophy across the 56 prior Super Bowl games, despite memorable performances from kickers like Don Chandler and Ray Wersching, who own the record for most field goals made in a single Super Bowl with 4.
2. Did a Punter Win MVP?
Desmond Howard, a kick/punt return specialist for the Green Bay Packers, won the MVP award in 1997, making him the only player in that position to achieve this honor.
3. Has a Tackle Ever Won MVP?
Only two defensive players have won the MVP award: defensive tackle Alan Page in 1971 and linebacker Lawrence Taylor in 1986.
4. Has a Non-QB Ever Won MVP?
The last non-QB to win the MVP award was Vikings running back Adrian Peterson in 2012, with the majority of recent MVP awards going to quarterbacks.
5. Who is the Only NFL Kicker to Win MVP?
Mark Moseley remains the only NFL kicker to have won the MVP award, a feat he achieved in 1982.
6. Has a Kicker Ever Scored a Touchdown?
Fred Cone holds the record for the most career touchdowns by a kicker, with 4 touchdowns.
7. Has a Linebacker Ever Won MVP?
Lawrence Taylor is one of the two defensive players to have won the MVP award, doing so in 1986.
8. Has an O-Linemen Ever Won MVP?
No offensive lineman, tight end, or kicking specialist has won the MVP award, though Desmond Howard‘s win in 1996 for his return yards and touchdown is a related notable achievement.
9. Has a Kicker Ever Had a Perfect Season?
In 2003, Mike Vanderjagt became the first kicker to go an entire season, including playoffs, without missing a field goal or point-after attempt.
10. Has a NFL Rookie Ever Won MVP?
Jim Brown is the sole rookie to have won the NFL MVP, achieving this in his first season.
11. Has a Kicker Ever Been Drafted in the First Round?
Sebastian Janikowski is one of the few NFL kickers to be selected in the first round of an NFL draft.
12. Who Was the Last Straight-On Kicker in the NFL?
Mark Moseley, who retired after the 1986 season, was the last full-time straight-on placekicker in the NFL.
13. Who is the Greatest Kicker in NFL History?
According to Peyton Manning, Adam Vinatieri is considered the best field goal kicker in NFL history, known for his clutch performances with the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots.
14. Has a Kicker Ever Won Rookie of the Year?
Jason Hanson is the only kicker to have been named Offensive Rookie of the Year by the Pro Football Writers Association.
15. How Many Non-QB Players Have Won MVP?
Since 1957, the MVP award has gone to 42 QBs and just 18 non-QBs, with Jim Brown winning it three times, and only one kicker and two defensive players ever receiving the honor.