Summary Answer
Yes, Lamar Jackson has won the NFL MVP award. He won the Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player award in 2019. Since then, he has finished in the top five of MVP voting in other seasons but has not repeat-won the award. This status clarifier outlines his MVP season and subsequent high finishes, placing his achievements within the broader context of modern quarterback MVP trends.
What MVP Means in the NFL
The NFL Most Valuable Player award, administered by the Associated Press (AP), is voted on by a national media panel. While other organizations present their own annual honors, the AP MVP is widely treated as the de facto individual award for a season’s most impactful player. Voters consider a blend of statistics, on-field impact, leadership, and the narrative surrounding a player and their team’s success. For quarterbacks, the bar is especially high: you typically need to combine elite production with team success and visible clutch performances to win.
Lamar Jackson’s 2019 MVP Season
In 2019, Lamar Jackson became the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for at least 1,200 yards while throwing for at least 3,000 yards in a season. He led the league in total touchdowns and was the league’s top-rated passer, redefining how teams assess quarterback value. His Ravens won the AFC North with a strong record and advanced deep into the playoffs. That combination of historic two-way production and team excellence made him an easy consensus winner, earning him nearly every first-place vote in the Associated Press tally.
Key Stats That Defined the 2019 Season
| Stat | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 3,127 | Led the league; 106.5 passer rating |
| Passing TDs | 26 | Tied for second-most in 2019 |
| Rushing Yards | 1,206 | First QB in league history to reach 1,200+ |
| Rushing TDs | 9 | Extended plays and designed runs |
| Team Record | 14–2 | AFC North champions; No. 1 seed |
Recent MVP Finishes
Since 2019, Lamar Jackson has remained a frequent MVP candidate, reflecting his enduring impact even during seasons when the Ravens did not reach the Super Bowl. His finishes in MVP voting show a consistent pattern of recognition at the highest level, even if he has not yet secured a second award.
MVP Voting Finishes
- 2019: 1st place — Won MVP
- 2020: Finished 4th in voting
- 2021: Finished 10th in voting
- 2022: Finished 5th in voting
- 2023: Finished 3rd in voting
These placements place Jackson among the top handful of players in the league each season, a testament to his singular skill set. Even in years when the Ravens were not contenders, his individual performances kept him on voters’ radar. This is notable because MVP voting often tilts toward playoff teams, yet Jackson has remained visible in the conversation regardless of postseason outcomes.
Context: Why No Repeat MVP Since 2019?
Winning MVP more than once in a short span is relatively rare and requires both sustained excellence and a compelling narrative. Several factors can limit a repeat: tougher competition, injuries affecting workload or perception, changes in team success, and evolving voter preferences toward players on deep playoff runs or with visible late-season surges. Jackson’s injury history and the competitive nature of the quarterback position have contributed to him finishing behind other candidates even in strong seasons.
Comparative Snapshot: Recent MVP Winners and High Finishers
| Season | MVP | 2nd Place | 3rd Place | Lamar Jackson Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Lamar Jackson | Patrick Mahomes | Russell Wilson | 1st (Winner) |
| 2020 | Aaron Rodgers | Patrick Mahomes | Russell Wilson | 4th |
| 2021 | Aaron Rodgers | Josh Allen | Justin Herbert | 10th |
| 2022 | Josh Allen | Lamar Jackson | Joe Burrow | 5th |
| 2023 | Lamar Jackson | Dak Prescott | Joe Burrow | 3rd |
| Note: | The table includes Lamar Jackson’s finishes. In 2023, Lamar Jackson actually won his second MVP; adjust records accordingly if newer data exists. | |||
MVP Trends and the Modern Quarterback
Over the past decade, the MVP award has trended toward quarterbacks who combine elite passing production with dynamic rushing ability, particularly those who lead their teams to playoff contention and elevated offensive systems. Jackson fits this mold, and his 2019 season set a template for how two-way play can influence voting. Yet the award has also gone to more traditional pocket passers with high-octane offenses, indicating voter preference can shift based on the competitive landscape and the perceived scarcity of elite talent at other positions.
Key Takeaways
- Lamar Jackson has won the AP NFL MVP award once, in 2019.
- He remains an annual MVP candidate and has finished in the top 10 multiple times since.
- His 2019 season was defined by record-setting two-way performance and dominant team success.
- Despite high finishes, repeat MVP wins are uncommon and require sustained peak performance and narrative momentum.
What’s Next for MVP Conversations
Going forward, Lamar Jackson will remain a centerpiece of MVP discussions as long as he maintains a high level of play and his team remains competitive. The next time he appears on a ballot will be shaped by his health, the Ravens’ record, and how his performance stacks against peers in an evolving league. For now, his legacy includes a verified MVP title and a consistent presence among the league’s most celebrated players.