Plural, not singular.
The sixth round pick out of Central Michigan, Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Antonio Brown will complete his fourth NFL season on Sunday in style.
In four NFL seasons, he has been voted by his peers as the franchise’s most valuable player twice. The Steelers announced Thursday that Brown has been named team MVP, an award he won back in 2011, as he became the first NFL player in history to have more than 1,000 yards receiving and kick returning in the same year.
A few weeks ago we had written an article titled, “Brown should, but won’t, get MVP recognition”.
On the year, he has already set a new team record for receiving yards with 1,412. Brown needs 11 catches on Sunday to break Hines Ward’s single season reception record of 112. One would think that if Brown accomplishes that feat, NFL MVP recognition should be within reach.
But behind every great receiver, there is an even better quarterback. Lynn Swann had Terry Bradshaw, Jerry Rice had Joe Montana, and Brown has Roethlisberger.
In his 10th NFL season, Roethlisberger is having one of the best statistical seasons of his career.
Through 15 games, No. 7 has passed for 4,082 yards, which ranks second in franchise history, and needs just 247 yards to break his own record he set back in 2009. Big Ben has thrown 27 touchdowns to just 12 interceptions and has started in every game this season, the first time he has accomplished this feat since 2008.
With that said, a lot of people think that Roethlisberger should have won the team award. Others, however, will point out that the players vote on the award.
Five years ago, Big Ben would have been named the Steelers’ MVP. Present day, he has become the field general of this squad and one would think that they gave accolades to Brown instead as Big Ben’s track record speaks for itself.
Brown is truly on his way to being mentioned in the same breath of the all-time greats in Steelers history. Roethlisberger is already on that list as the franchise quarterback has multiple AFC North divisional crowns, AFC Championships, two Super Bowl titles, and countless records. However, as we know Roethlisberger speaks of championships not personal achievements.
Brown was one step away from being remembered for the most exciting play in Steelers’ history since the immaculate reception. Roethlisberger on the other hand will always be remembered for, “the tackle” during the 2006 NFL playoffs.
Both Brown and Roethlisberger are deserving of the Steelers’ MVP award. Brown wouldn’t be having the year he’s having without Big Ben and the same could be said vice versa, which is why the Steelers MVP this year should have been plural, not singular.
Photo Credit: moejackson.com
