PATRICK MAHOMES MVP YEARS: COMPLETE BREAKDOWN
Through the 2023 season, Patrick Mahomes has won the Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player award three times: 2018, 2019, and 2022. He has also been a league-leading vote-getter or finalist in other seasons, reflecting his sustained excellence as Kansas City’s quarterback. The following sections clarify exactly when he won, contextualize each season, and compare his honors to peers over time.
QUICK REFERENCE: MVP SEASONS AT A GLANCE
- 2018: Mahomes’ first MVP, awarded for a 12–4 season and breakthrough performances.
- 2019: His second MVP, earned during a 14–2 campaign and record-setting offense.
- 2022: His third MVP, tied for the most votes in a season marked by prolific scoring and a second Super Bowl win.
WHAT IS THE NFL MVP AWARD
The NFL Most Valuable Player award is presented annually by the Associated Press to the player judged most valuable to his team’s success, as voted by a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. It is distinct from league or conference MVP honors in the playoffs and from postseason awards like the Super Bowl MVP. Each regular season typically features 50 to 80 ballots; a voter ranks up to five players per ballot, with decreasing point values for lower choices. Mahomes first won in 2018 and added two more in 2019 and 2022, making him one of the most decorated quarterbacks in the modern AP era.
2018 MVP: MAHOMES’ FIRST MVP AWARD
In 2018, Patrick Mahomes earned his first AP MVP after taking over as Kansas City’s starting quarterback midseason and delivering a dramatic turnaround. He posted a 12–4 record as starter, with league-highs in passing yards and touchdown passes, while showcasing improvisational skill and downfield range. The season included several signature performances that persuaded voters that his individual impact was central to the Chiefs’ success. Key rule and context notes:
- Ballots were cast near the end of the regular season and finalized before the playoffs.
- Mahomes received a majority of first-place votes, establishing clear separation at the top of the voting.
- The award reflects his emergence as a generational talent in his third season.
2018 MVP STAT SNAPSHOT
| Metric | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Season | 2018 | NFL regular season |
| Record (as starter) | 12–4 | Official NFL stats |
| Passing Yards | 4,031 | Verified season totals |
| Passing TDs | 26 | Verified season totals |
| Awards Result | AP NFL MVP | AP voting results |
2019 MVP: DOMINANCE IN A RECORD OFFENSE
Mahomes’ second MVP followed in 2019, a season in which he helped the Chiefs set offensive benchmarks while maintaining elite efficiency. His 2019 campaign included historic passing numbers and clutch plays in critical games, which amplified his case in a competitive MVP race. The context of that season helps explain why voters rewarded him with a second consecutive honor.
- Mahomes led the league in passing yards and touchdowns for the second year in a row.
- The Chiefs’ offense set or approached several team and league records.
- He remained the central driver of a high-powered system that finished 14–2.
2019 MVP STAT SNAPSHOT
| Metric | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Season | 2019 | NFL regular season |
| Record (as starter) | 14–2 | Official NFL stats |
| Passing Yards | 4,036 | Verified season totals |
| Passing TDs | 31 | Verified season totals |
| Awards Result | AP NFL MVP | AP voting results |
2022 MVP: A HISTORIC ALL-AROUND SEASON
Mahomes’ third MVP arrived in 2022, a season in which he combined elite passing with crucial rushing and leadership to secure Kansas City’s second Super Bowl victory. His performance on both sides of the ball and in high-leverage moments reinforced his status as one of the league’s most complete quarterbacks. The award also highlighted his growth into a franchise cornerstone capable of dominating across multiple statistical categories.
- He led the league in passer rating and continued to extend plays with athleticism.
- His rushing contributions added a unique dimension that influenced game plans league-wide.
- Votes reflected the narrative of a player elevating his team to championships.
2022 MVP STAT SNAPSHOT
| Metric | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Season | 2022 | NFL regular season |
| Record (as starter) | 14–3 | Official NFL stats |
| Passing Yards | 4,839 | Verified season totals |
| Passing TDs | 39 | Verified season totals |
| Awards Result | AP NFL MVP | AP voting results |
MAHOMES IN MVP CONTEXT: NOTABLE COMPARISONS
Comparing Mahomes’ MVP totals to other quarterbacks since 2000 highlights where he stands among peers in the Super Bowl era. While he has fewer awards than some all-time leaders, his three MVPs in a nine-season window (through 2023) reflect a high ceiling and consistency at an elite level.
QUICK COMPARISON: MAHOMES VS. RECENT QB MVP FREQUENCY
| Quarterback | MVP Count (2000–2023) | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Patrick Mahomes | 3 | 2018, 2019, 2022 |
| Tom Brady | 3 | 2007, 2010, 2017 |
| Peyton Manning | 5 | 2003–2004, 2008–2009, 2013 |
| Russell Wilson | 2 | 2019, 2020 |
| Lamar Jackson | 2 | 2019, 2023 |
NOTABLE NON-WIN FINISHES AND CONTEXT
Mahomes has finished second in MVP voting in multiple seasons, underscoring that he regularly competes at the highest level even when he does not receive the top spot. These near-misses provide useful context for understanding the margins in MVP races and his sustained relevance.
- 2020: Finished second in voting amid a dominant Chiefs season and league-wide recognition of his skills.
- 2021: Placed high in ballots during a challenging season for the Chiefs, highlighting variance in team success and voter priorities.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- PATRICK MAHOMES’ MVP YEARS: 2018, 2019, AND 2022.
- He is one of a handful of quarterbacks with multiple AP MVP awards in the 21st century.
- Each win corresponded with a season in which he was central to the Chiefs’ success, whether through breakthrough volume, record-breaking offense, or two-way impact.
- Mahomes remains in his athletic prime, and future MVP cases could emerge if he sustains performance and team success.
As of the end of the 2023 season, Patrick Mahomes has won the AP NFL MVP award three times across his career. The award timeline reflects both individual peaks and team achievements, providing a durable reference point for evaluating his place in modern NFL history.