Shortest NFL MVP
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Posted: Mar 31, 2023
Updated: Aug 16, 2023
Barry Sanders is one of the greatest NFL players ever; he rushed for over 15,000 yards in 10 seasons. He led the league in rushing four times and won the NFL MVP with Brett Favre in 1997. Sanders accomplished all this even though he was usually the shortest player on the field at 5'8.
Shortest NFL MVPs
| Height | Person | Description | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'8 | Barry Sanders | 2053 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns for Detroit Lions | 1997 |
| 5'9 | Emmitt Smith | 1486 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns for Dallas Cowboys | 1993 |
| 5'10 | Walter Payton | 1852 rushing yards, 16 touchdowns for Chicago Bears | 1977 |
| 5'10 | Thurman Thomas | 1407 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns for Buffalo Bills | 1991 |
| 5'10 | Marshall Faulk | 1359 rushing yards, 26 touchdowns for St. Louis Rams | 2000 |
| 5'10 | LaDainian Tomlinson | 1815 rushing yards, 31 touchdowns for San Diego Chargers | 2006 |
References
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Favre and Sanders Share M.V.P.
Sanders became the third player to rush for 2,000 yards in a season when he gained 2,053, second most in league history. Only one of the others, O.J. Simpson in 1973, earned m.v.p. honors; Eric Dickerson, who holds the N.F.L. record with 2,105 yards, was beaten out by Dan Marino in 1984.
The New York Times
