Tom Brady wins third NFL MVP Award in a blowout

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Tom Brady was named MVP on Saturday, the third time in his career he has taken the honor.

The oldest player in the history of the league to take home the award, the 40-year-old led the NFL in passing yards (4,577) while finishing third in passing touchdowns (32) and passer rating (102.8).

Brady received 40 of the 50 votes, with Rams running back Todd Gurley landing eight votes and Philly quarterback Carson Wentz tallying two.

Brady wasn't on hand to accept the award; Edelman accepted on his behalf at the NFL Honors ceremony. Brady also gave a taped speech.

"I am very humbled and honored to accept this award tonight," Brady said. "In a team sport like football, you certainly can’t achieve anything as an individual without incredible teammates and incredible coaches who have really committed so much to our team this year. I accept this as an individual award, but to me it is a team award. And the greatest honor as a team is to be playing in the Super Bowl (Sunday) night, which I am very excited about. I hope you all enjoy it. Congratulations to all the other nominees and to all the other award winners. Thank you very much for your support.

"I know I am one of the older guys in the league, but I still look up to a lot of you younger players and want you guys to keep working hard and keep making this league great.

“Thank you also to my family for your love and support always. I love you all very much. Have a great night.”

BSJ analysis: Deconstructing another MVP season for Brady


Was it Brady’s best season? No. In fact there were times where it appeared the award might have been there for the taking by another potential contender, especially when you consider a statistical dip through November and into December that included the first time in his career where he threw picks in five consecutive games.

But the simple truth of the matter was that through injuries to some of his most trusted offensive options (Julian Edelman) and some occasionally spotty offensive line play, Brady stood tall, especially when stacked against some of his competition.

Brady’s resume now boasts three NFL MVPs (he also won the award in 2007 and 2010), as well as one Comeback Player of the Year, four Super Bowl MVPs and five Lombardi Trophies, with a chance for a sixth on Sunday.

“There’s no quarterback I’d rather have on my team than Tom Brady. I’m glad I have him,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said of the quarterback earlier this week.