Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen walked away with one of the most prestigious honors in the NFL, winning the 2024 Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. However, even he didn't see it coming. "Yeah, I was pretty surprised," Allen admitted, reflecting on his unexpected victory. Given how the voting typically plays out, he thought another name might be called. But there he was, standing on stage at the NFL Honors on Thursday night, holding the MVP trophy in his hands.
What made this win even more surprising was that Allen wasn't selected as a first-team All-Pro. That distinction went to Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. In fact, Allen became the first outright MVP to miss out on a first-team All-Pro nod since John Elway in 1987. The last time a second-team All-Pro quarterback won MVP was in 2003 when Steve McNair shared the honor with Peyton Manning. So, Allen’s win wasn’t just a career milestone—it was a historic moment.
“I have nothing but love and respect for [Lamar Jackson] and his game,” Allen said after accepting the award. “Lamar was very deserving of this award as well.” His humility shone through as he acknowledged the Ravens' star, who had already won the MVP twice before.
The Numbers Behind the Win
The MVP race was incredibly tight. According to the Associated Press, Allen secured 383 total points in the voting, narrowly edging out Jackson, who finished with 362. The first-place vote tally was equally close: Allen received 27, while Jackson earned 23. It was a battle between two of the league’s most electrifying playmakers, and in the end, Allen came out on top.
A Moment for the Bills Mafia
For Buffalo fans, this win was special. The city has long been waiting for an MVP-caliber quarterback to lead their team, and Allen delivered. It wasn’t just about his individual performance; it was about what he represented for the team and the fanbase. "It feels good," Allen said. "I feel like my teammates wanted this more for me than I did. But I’m very honored."
The Buffalo Bills have had their share of ups and downs, but this victory felt like a statement. Allen’s leadership and dynamic playmaking ability have kept the Bills competitive, and now, he has the hardware to prove just how valuable he is to the team.
An Unpredictable MVP Race
Coming into the season, many expected players like Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, or even Jalen Hurts to be at the forefront of the MVP conversation. However, Allen consistently delivered clutch performances, leading his team through tough matchups and proving his worth as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.
Despite facing fierce competition, he showcased his ability to carry the Bills on his back. His arm strength, accuracy, and ability to make plays with his legs set him apart. More than that, his leadership in key moments demonstrated why he deserved the MVP title.
A Sign of More to Come?
This win cements Allen's place among the NFL's best, but could it be just the beginning? Many great quarterbacks have won MVP, only to elevate their games even further in the seasons that followed. With Allen still in his prime, Bills fans have every reason to believe there’s more greatness ahead.
As he celebrated the victory, Allen remained humble and focused. He knows the ultimate goal isn't individual awards—it’s bringing a Super Bowl championship to Buffalo. And if this MVP season is any indication, he might just be the quarterback to do it.
From historic achievements to the tightest MVP race in years, Allen’s win was one for the books. Whether or not he saw it coming, one thing is for sure: he’s now in elite company, and the NFL world is paying attention.
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