Bills QB Allen wins the 2024 MVP award, beating Jackson

Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills was voted the NFL’s Most Valuable Player for the first time on Thursday, defeating Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens in a close contest.

Allen, a genuine dual-threat player, became the first quarterback to record multiple passing and rushing touchdowns in consecutive games in the 2024 regular season after throwing for 3,731 yards and 28 touchdowns and running in a dozen more.

“I feel like my teammates wanted this more for me than I did,” Allen remarked. “I’m very honored.”

During the Bills’ Week 13 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, he made history by throwing to Amari Cooper, receiving a lateral ball back from him, and running into the end zone, becoming the first quarterback to record a passing, rushing, and receiving touchdown in a single game.

Despite losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship, he guided the Bills to their sixth consecutive postseason berth this season.

Allen, who has finished second twice before, allegedly garnered 27 first-place votes, compared to Jackson’s 23 for the honor, which is chosen by a group of sportswriters.

After Jackson, who had a nearly perfect regular season with 41 touchdown passes and just four interceptions, was chosen the First-Team All-Pro quarterback last month, several fans were taken aback by the outcome.

“I was pretty surprised, yea, given what we know about – typically – how the voting goes,” Allen stated to reporters. “Lamar also deserved this honor very much. He and his game have my undying love and admiration.”

Ahead of Sunday’s Super Bowl between the Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, the honor was presented during an NFL Honors celebration at New Orleans’ Saenger Theatre, which was hosted by hip-hop musician Snoop Dogg and included a number of celebrities.

The Walter Payton Man of the Year award, which is the NFL’s top accolade for on-field achievement and charitable endeavors, went to defensive end Arik Armstead of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Armstead was recognized for his efforts in the community to promote education for kids, with a focus on reading.

After recording a league-high 2,005 rushing yards, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley earned the award for best offensive player, while Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II won defensive player of the year.