After a season where both Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson made strong cases for the MVP award, it was ultimately the Bills‘ quarterback who came out on top. This decision stirred quite a bit of controversy, leading to strong reactions from former players and current teammates alike. One notable voice in this conversation is Jonathan Ogden, a former Super Bowl champion with the Baltimore Ravens, who expressed his displeasure with the final result.
Jonathan Ogden, who played as an OT for the Baltimore Ravens, made strong statements once the voting concluded, which ultimately gave Allen the chance to become the most valuable player of the last season.
In a recent interview with TMZ, Ogden made his stance clear regarding the final results of this tight voting: “I get it,” Ogden started. “‘Cause [Josh] is a great quarterback, he hadn’t won one — Lamar had two. And they’re like, ‘Let’s just give him one.’ But that’s the wrong reason. But it’s all good. What are you going to do? But they made the wrong choice. But that’s all good,” he firmly stated, making it clear that he was completely dissatisfied with the fact that Lamar Jackson was not awarded MVP for the third time in his career.
“I don’t want it to sound like I’m hating on Josh because the brother is a tremendous quarterback. But he didn’t have the year Lamar had,” he finally concluded.
Ogden’s comments highlight a broader sentiment among Ravens fans and players alike. The MVP race was incredibly tight, and many believed that Jackson’s performance warranted the award. Not only have Ravens legends like Ogden expressed dissatisfaction with the final MVP voting results, but current teammates have also come to Lamar Jackson’s defense, believing he deserved to win the award.
Rashod Bateman, one of Jackson’s key offensive partners, was the one who, while speaking with NBC Sports, expressed that he feels his quarterback should now have three MVP trophies to his name.
Bateman didn’t hold back in his assessment, saying, “I hope I don’t get in trouble for this. It’s definitely behind the scenes of what’s going on. That’s just the world we live in, ’cause it’s night and day.” His frustration was palpable as he added, “He should have won MVP, he was robbed. Lamar was All-Pro, and he didn’t win MVP. … He had him beat in every category, so it’s like, bro, what are we looking at? … Respect to Josh, we all know he’s an amazing player. But I mean, when you watch the game and look at the numbers, it’s like what are we valuing here?”
The debate over the MVP award is not just a matter of personal accolades; it reflects the ongoing conversation about how players are evaluated in the league. Jackson’s achievements during the season were remarkable. He led the Ravens to a strong record, showcasing his unique skills and leadership on the field. Meanwhile, Allen also had an impressive season, but the question remains: did he truly outperform Jackson?
This sentiment is echoed by fans and analysts who have taken to social media to voice their opinions. The MVP award is more than just a trophy; it represents recognition of a player’s hard work, dedication, and impact on the game. In a league as competitive as the NFL, these accolades can define a player’s legacy.
The emotional reactions from both Ogden and Bateman highlight the passion that surrounds the MVP discussion. It’s a reminder that behind every statistic and highlight reel, there are real people who care deeply about the game and their teammates.
As the NFL continues to evolve, the criteria for such awards may also change. Fans are left wondering if the voting process can be improved to ensure that deserving players like Lamar Jackson receive the recognition they deserve. After all, how can we measure a player’s true value? Is it solely based on numbers, or should it also encompass the player’s influence on their team’s success?
In the end, the MVP debate is about more than just one season. It’s about the legacy of players and how they are remembered in the annals of NFL history. With Jackson’s talent and potential, there’s no doubt that he will continue to be a force in the league, and perhaps one day, he will claim that elusive third MVP trophy.
As the football world looks ahead to the next season, fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on both Allen and Jackson. Will the MVP race be just as heated next year? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the passion for the game and the desire for recognition will never fade. The NFL is not just a sport; it’s a community, and every player contributes to its rich tapestry.
