The debate over who should have been the 2024 NFL MVP may never be settled, and it's kicking off again with Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen set to face off at the start of the 2025 season.
Ravens players, coaches, and the front office have all been clear that they believe Jackson should have won a third MVP after his historic 2024 season. On Wednesday, Jackson was asked for the first time about his thoughts on the award going to Allen.
"The voters chose who they wanted to pick," Jackson said. "It is what it is. It is what it is."
Jackson was overwhelmingly named a first-team All-Pro by 30 of the 50 voters, while Allen received just 18 first-place votes. However, some of those same voters named Allen their MVP, as he got 27 first-place votes to Jackson's 23. It was the first time since 1987 that the league's MVP (John Elway) was not a first-team All-Pro.
Jackson had one of the greatest seasons by a quarterback in league history. His 119.6 passer rating ranked fourth all-time for a single season. Jackson threw for more yards (4,172-3,731), more touchdowns (41-28), fewer interceptions (four-six), and ran for more yards (915-531) than Allen. The Ravens had the league's top-ranked offense.
However, voters who went with Allen essentially said he won their vote because he had fewer weapons around him and led the Bills to more success than they expected. There may have also been an element of "voter fatigue" with Jackson already having won the award in 2019 and 2023.
There was a [wave of outrage after the vote](https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/lamar-jackson-mvp-snub-derrick-henry-marshal-yanda-late-for-work), both nationally and in Baltimore, and some media members who cast their vote for Allen have since expressed regret. They'll be watching another head-to-head battle between the quarterbacks on "Sunday Night Football" to kick off this year's MVP race.