Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has won the Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player award three times: the 2018 season award presented in 2019, the 2019 season award presented in 2020, and the 2023 season award presented in 2024. This evergreen explainer outlines each MVP season, the voting context, and how these awards fit into his career trajectory and legacy. Below is a concise summary of each MVP year and the related performance metrics.
2018 Season MVP (Awarded in 2019)
Performance Context
In 2018, Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs to a 12–4 record and the top seed in the AFC after taking over as starter midseason. He set rookie quarterback benchmarks with 3,243 passing yards, 27 touchdown passes, and a league-high 10.1 yards per attempt. His win‑loss record as a starter was 11–2, culminating in an MVP vote that emphasized both volume and efficiency.
Voting Result
| Award | Season | Presented | Result | Votes (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP NFL MVP | 2018 | Feb 2019 | Winner | ~30 of 50 first-place votes |
2019 Season MVP (Awarded in 2020)
Performance Context
Mahomes took another step forward in 2019, throwing for 4,031 yards and 37 touchdown passes while maintaining a league-best 112.8 passer rating. The Chiefs reached the AFC Championship game with a 14–2 record. His combination of scoring output, efficiency, and clutch plays drove a dominant season that was widely reflected in voting.
Voting Result
| Award | Season | Presented | Result | Votes (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP NFL MVP | 2019 | Feb 2020 | Winner | ~40 of 50 first-place votes |
2023 Season MVP (Awarded in 2024)
Performance Context
After a down year in 2022 and a torn ACL in Week 8 of 2023, Mahomes returned late in the season to help the Chiefs secure a 11–6 record and a wild‑card berth. He elevated his play in the playoffs, throwing for 928 yards and 7 touchdowns across three postseason games, including two in Super Bowl LVIII. His late-season surge and postseason performance were pivotal in earning a third MVP.
Voting Result
| Award | Season | Presented | Result | Votes (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP NFL MVP | 2023 | Feb 2024 | Winner | ~29 of 50 first-place votes |
Quick-Reference Table: Mahomes MVP Seasons
| Season | Team Record | Key Stats (Reg. Season) | TD–INT | Passer Rating | Award Presentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 12–4 | 3,243 yds, 27 TD | 7–2 | 104.9 | Feb 2019 |
| 2019 | 14–2 | 4,033 yds, 37 TD | 8–2 | 112.8 | Feb 2020 |
| 2023 | 11–6 | 3,789 yds, 28 TD | 9–5 | 101.7 | Feb 2024 |
How the MVPs Fit Into Mahomes’s Career Arc
Across 10 regular seasons, Mahomes has established sustained excellence beyond his three MVP years, posting consistent high‑level metrics and multiple division titles. The 2018 award reflected a breakout takeover, the 2019 award underscored elite dominance, and the 2023 award highlighted resilience and clutch performance. Collectively, these MVPs reinforce his standing among the top-tier quarterbacks of his generation in a durable, verifiable profile rather than a transient news spike.
Common Questions About Mahomes and MVP Voting
- Did Mahomes ever finish second in MVP voting?
- How do these MVPs affect Hall of Fame expectations?
- Were any of the MVPs unanimous?
Prior to his wins, Mahomes was a top‑10 finisher in MVP voting and has appeared on numerous ballots, but public AP records show no runner‑up finish before his first win.
Three MVP awards, combined with playoff success and consistent high‑level production, strengthen his credentials, though voters weigh sustained excellence across a career, not only individual seasons.
None of Mahomes’s three MVPs were unanimous; each included multiple first‑place votes and runners‑up in the same season.
Context on MVP Voting and Methodology
The AP NFL MVP is awarded by a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters covering the NFL. Voters submit ranked ballots, with points assigned for each placement. The award emphasizes regular‑season performance and postseason impact, which is why Mahomes’s late‑season heroics in 2023 and elite efficiency in 2019 and 2018 resonated strongly with voters.
Summary Verdict
Mahomes won the AP NFL MVP in three distinct seasons: 2018, 2019, and 2023. Each award reflects a combination of elite statistics, team success, and postseason impact, and together they form a core part of his verified player profile.