Who won NFL MVP in 2019
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs, won the 2019 NFL Most Valuable Player award. He received 36 of a possible 50 first-place votes and 467 total points in voting conducted by the Associated Press. Running back Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens finished second with nine first-place votes, and Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers was third with four first-place votes. The 2019 season award recognized Mahomes’s combination of passing efficiency, volume, and clutch performance that helped elevate a young Chiefs squad.
MVP award basics
The NFL MVP is awarded annually by the Associated Press to the player judged most valuable to his team during the regular season. Voters submit ballots before the playoffs, and each voter ranks their top 10 players. A player receives five points for a first-place vote, three for second, two for third, and one for each fourth-place selection. The totals determine the winner. The award is not tied to postseason success, though frequently players on deep playoff teams receive consideration.
2019 voting results at a glance
| Rank | Player | Team | First-Place Votes | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City Chiefs | 36 | 467 |
| 2 | Lamar Jackson | Baltimore Ravens | 9 | 351 |
| 3 | Aaron Rodgers | Green Bay Packers | 4 | 339 |
| 4 | Russell Wilson | Seattle Seahawks | 3 | 286 |
| 5 | Tom Brady | New England Patriots | 2 | 231 |
Context for the 2019 season
Mahomes entered 2019 as the reigning league MVP and delivered a season that reinforced his status as an elite passer. He threw for 5,140 yards and 41 touchdowns against just 12 interceptions, completing 67.1 percent of his passes. The Chiefs finished 12–4, won the AFC West, and advanced to the AFC Championship Game. His value extended beyond statistics, influencing game management, confidence, and the team’s ceiling in close contests.
Key details about the 2019 AP NFL MVP voting
- The Associated Press conducted the 2019 MVP poll; voters were sportswriters accredited for NFL games.
- Voting concluded before the playoffs, and ballots were due the Monday following the final regular-season game.
- Mahomes’ 36 first-place votes represented 72 percent of the electorate, indicating strong consensus.
- Lamar Jackson’s second-place finish was the highest for a Ravens player since 2006.
- The point differential between first and second place was 116 points, reflecting Mahomes’ margin.
Comparative perspective on recent MVP winners
Evaluating recent MVP selections shows continuity around quarterbacks who combine high-volume, efficient production with team success. Mahomes’s 2019 total was larger than the vote totals of many past winners, though different eras yield different point distributions. Below is a concise comparison of the 2019 top vote-getters and their typical positional representation in recent MVP history.
2019 MVP vote totals vs. typical representation
| Position | 2019 Share of Top Votes | Typical MVP representation (2010–2018) |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterback | 86 percent (4 of top 5) | Approximately 70–80 percent historically |
| Running back | 0 percent in top 5 | Occasional top-10 finishes |
| Wide receiver | 0 percent in top 5 | Occasional top-10 finishes |
| Defensive player | 0 percent in top 5 | Rare top-5 finishes |
Common questions about the 2019 NFL MVP
Because the award process and final vote counts often generate discussion, here are concise clarifications based on the Associated Press record and standard methodology.
How are MVP votes tabulated?
Each voter’s first-place choice receives five points, second place three points, third place two points, and fourth place one point. Voters may select up to four players, but only the top four ranks receive points. The player with the highest point total wins; ties are broken by number of first-place votes.
Did any 2019 voters rank Mahomes lower than first?
While the AP does not always release full ballots, available public data and reports indicate that Mahomes received a substantial number of first-place votes, and his point total reflects very few lower rankings. His margin suggests limited variation below the top rank among voters.
How does Mahomes’ 2019 MVP compare to other Chiefs MVP seasons?
Mahomes also won the AP NFL MVP in 2018, making him the Chiefs’ first repeat MVP winner. Prior Chiefs MVPs include Len Dawson (1962) and Buck Buchanan (1971), though Buchanan’s award came via the UPI. The 2019 season extended his impact amid a competitive decade for the franchise.
Why the 2019 MVP matters in long-term context
Beyond a single season, the 2019 MVP underscores the shift toward quarterback-centric success in evaluating value and has informed roster construction, contract decisions, and team-building around Mahomes. Understanding how the award is decided and the performance profile behind it helps frame expectations for future MVP conversations and team objectives.
Quick reference: 2019 AP NFL MVP key facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Winner | Patrick Mahomes |
| Team | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Season | 2019 |
| First-Place Votes | 36 of 50 |
| Total Points | 467 |
| Runner-up | Lamar Jackson (BAL) — 351 points |
| Voting Body | Associated Press NFL sportswriters |
Conclusion
Patrick Mahomes earned the 2019 NFL MVP by a wide margin, reflecting his impact on a young Chiefs team and his elite performance at quarterback. The Associated Press voting metrics and final tallies are consistent and verifiable, making this a well-documented milestone in Mahomes’s career and in recent NFL history.