Over the years, the NFL most valuable player award has become one that’s essentially exclusive to the quarterback position.
You have to back a decade to 2012 when the last non-quarterback won the award, with Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson taking home the honor after eclipsing 2,000 yards rushing.
Now more than ever, it’s a quarterbacks league and they are reaping the benefits.
Heading into the 2022 NFL season, odds are another signal caller will win the award. However, that doesn’t mean non-quarterbacks won’t play critical roles for their team’s success.
When looking at which position players not under center will be most valuable for their team, NFL.com’s Kevin Patra landed on veteran defensive lineman J.J. Watt as the Arizona Cardinals selection.
Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year award winner, could be in store for a big year along the Cardinals’ defensive line.
The veteran missed 10 games last season with a shoulder injury, but made an impact prior to being sidelined.
Now in 2022, the Cardinals may need Watt to continue to elevate his game with the absence of former edge rusher Chandler Jones, who signed with Las Vegas as a free agent.
Watt’s absence last season wasn’t the only reason the Cardinals’ defense collapsed down the stretch, but it certainly played a significant role … Arizona desperately needs a Watt MVP-type season to control the defensive front and generate pressure.
Being a dominant force along the defensive line would be nothing new to Watt.
Entering year 12 of his NFL career, Watt has 102 sacks to go with 177 tackles for loss and 26 forced fumbles.
Watt has been active his offseason showing the world he is ready to get back his usual form.
Dad bod loading… pic.twitter.com/DuZ9NZEKHl
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) June 25, 2022
With Watt looking ready to roll for the 2022 season, Patra gave a warning to anyone who still may be doubting him.
And if you’re someone who thinks Watt shouldn’t be in line for anything other than an AARP membership at this point, you can tell this man to his face (and please record it for the rest of us).