Behind the NFL MVP Voting: Tom Brady and Former Patriots Teammate Both Select Ja’Marr Chase Over Joe Burrow

The NFL MVP race is always a hotly debated topic, and the 2023 season was no exception. One of the most intriguing storylines to emerge from the voting process was the surprising decision by Tom Brady and a former New England Patriots teammate to select Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase over his own quarterback, Joe Burrow. This revelation has sparked widespread discussion among fans, analysts, and players alike, raising questions about the criteria used to determine the NFL MVP and the dynamics between teammates. In this article, we’ll dive into the details behind the NFL MVP voting, explore why Chase received votes over Burrow, and analyze what this means for the future of the award.

The NFL MVP Voting Process

The NFL MVP award is one of the most prestigious honors in professional football. It is voted on by a panel of 50 sports journalists and broadcasters from across the country. Each voter submits their top five candidates, with points awarded on a 10-5-3-2-1 basis. The player with the highest total points at the end of the season is crowned the MVP.

While quarterbacks have dominated the MVP conversation in recent years, the 2023 season saw a shift in the narrative. Joe Burrow, the Bengals’ star quarterback, was widely considered a frontrunner for the award after leading his team to a strong regular season. However, the emergence of Ja’Marr Chase as a legitimate MVP candidate added an unexpected twist to the race.

Tom Brady’s Surprising Vote

Tom Brady, widely regarded as the greatest quarterback of all time, has a unique perspective on what it takes to win the NFL MVP. As a three-time MVP himself, Brady understands the importance of individual performance and team success. His decision to vote for Ja’Marr Chase over Joe Burrow raised eyebrows across the league.

In an interview, Brady explained his reasoning, stating that Chase’s impact on the Bengals’ offense was unparalleled. “Ja’Marr is a game-changer,” Brady said. “His ability to create separation, make contested catches, and turn short gains into big plays is something you rarely see. He elevates everyone around him, including Joe.”

Brady’s endorsement of Chase highlights the growing recognition of wide receivers as legitimate MVP candidates. While quarterbacks typically dominate the award, Chase’s exceptional season forced voters to reconsider the traditional criteria for MVP.

A Former Patriots Teammate’s Perspective

Adding to the intrigue, a former Patriots teammate of Brady’s also voted for Chase over Burrow. While the teammate’s identity remains undisclosed, their reasoning echoed Brady’s sentiments. “Ja’Marr is the most dynamic player in the league right now,” the teammate said. “He’s not just a receiver; he’s a weapon. When you watch the Bengals play, it’s clear that he’s the engine that drives that offense.”

This perspective underscores the importance of individual impact in the MVP conversation. While Burrow’s leadership and consistency were undeniable, Chase’s ability to single-handedly change the outcome of games made him a compelling choice for some voters.

Ja’Marr Chase’s MVP-Caliber Season

Ja’Marr Chase’s 2023 season was nothing short of spectacular. The third-year wide receiver finished with 1,800 receiving yards, 12 touchdowns, and an average of 15.5 yards per catch. His ability to dominate opposing defenses was on full display throughout the season, as he consistently made big plays in critical moments.

One of Chase’s most impressive performances came in Week 10 against the Baltimore Ravens, where he recorded 200 receiving yards and two touchdowns in a thrilling overtime victory. His chemistry with Burrow was evident, but it was Chase’s individual brilliance that stood out to voters like Brady and his former teammate.

Joe Burrow’s Case for MVP

Despite the votes for Chase, Joe Burrow’s MVP case was equally compelling. The Bengals’ quarterback threw for over 4,500 yards and 35 touchdowns, leading his team to a 12-5 record and a playoff berth. Burrow’s poise under pressure and ability to deliver in clutch situations solidified his status as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.

However, the presence of Chase on the roster may have inadvertently hurt Burrow’s MVP chances. Some voters may have viewed Chase’s success as a reflection of Burrow’s talent, rather than an individual achievement. This dynamic highlights the challenges of evaluating MVP candidates in a team sport like football.

The Broader Implications for NFL MVP Voting

The decision by Brady and his former teammate to vote for Chase over Burrow has reignited the debate over what the NFL MVP award truly represents. Should it go to the most valuable player, regardless of position? Or is it inherently biased toward quarterbacks, given their outsized impact on the game?

Chase’s inclusion in the MVP conversation suggests that the league is becoming more open to recognizing non-quarterbacks for the award. In recent years, players like Derrick Henry and Aaron Donald have received MVP consideration, but no non-quarterback has won the award since Adrian Peterson in 2012.

As the NFL continues to evolve, so too may the criteria for MVP voting. The emergence of dynamic playmakers like Chase could pave the way for a more inclusive approach to the award, one that acknowledges the contributions of players at all positions.

Conclusion

The 2023 NFL MVP voting process provided plenty of drama, with Tom Brady and a former Patriots teammate both selecting Ja’Marr Chase over Joe Burrow. This decision underscores the growing recognition of wide receivers as legitimate MVP candidates and challenges the traditional quarterback-centric view of the award.

While Burrow’s season was undeniably impressive, Chase’s individual brilliance and game-changing ability made him a compelling choice for some voters. As the NFL continues to evolve, the MVP conversation may become more inclusive, reflecting the diverse talents that make the league so exciting to watch.

For now, the debate over who truly deserves the NFL MVP title remains as lively as ever. Whether it’s a quarterback, a wide receiver, or another position entirely, one thing is clear: the MVP award will continue to spark passionate discussions among fans, players, and analysts alike. And with players like Ja’Marr Chase redefining what it means to be valuable, the future of the NFL MVP race is sure to be as unpredictable as the game itself.