Ken Anderson NFL MVP Award
Ken Anderson's 1982 completion percentage record stood until Drew Brees broke it in 2009.
Ken Anderson won the NFL Most Valuable Player Award in 1981, a season in which he led the Cincinnati Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance.
Quick Facts
- Significance
- One of two Bengal QBs to win MVP (also Boomer Esiason, 1988)
Lore & Background
In 1982, Anderson set an NFL single-season record for completion percentage of 70.6%, which stood for over 25 years until broken by Drew Brees in 2009.
Reader's Guide
Anderson's 70.6% completion percentage in 1982 was not broken by Steve Young in 1994; it was surpassed by Drew Brees in 2009.
Did You Know?
- Anderson led the league in passer rating four times, completion percentage three times, and passing yards twice.
- He was awarded both NFL Most Valuable Player and NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1981.
- As of the end of the 2024 NFL season, Anderson holds the Bengals franchise passing records in yards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the only Cincinnati Bengals quarterback to win an NFL MVP Award?
Ken Anderson holds this distinction as the franchise's sole signal-caller to receive the Associated Press Most Valuable Player honor.
In what year did Ken Anderson earn his MVP status?
He achieved this pinnacle of individual excellence during the 1981 NFL season while leading the Bengals offense.
What position did Anderson play when he won the award?
Anderson served as the starting quarterback, demonstrating exceptional precision and leadership from under center.
Which organization officially selected Ken Anderson as the NFL MVP?
The Associated Press voted him into this position, recognizing his statistical feat and overall impact on the game.
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