Jalen Hurts led the Philadelphia Eagles to a dominant 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, earning himself the game’s MVP award.
However, in the eyes of many fans, another player deserved the honor.
No defensive player has won Super Bowl MVP since Von Miller in 2016, but a relentless Eagles pass rush made a strong case to break that trend.
Philadelphia’s defense overwhelmed Patrick Mahomes, sacking him six times without blitzing and turning two second-quarter interceptions into touchdowns.
Despite Hurts taking home the official MVP, he actually finished second in NFL.com’s fan vote.
The fan vote accounts for 20% of the decision, while the remaining 80% is determined by 16 media members.
According to the majority of fans, rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean was most deserving of MVP honors.
DeJean’s pick-six in the second quarter was arguably the biggest play of the entire game. It made the score 17-0 and amazingly enough proved to be the unofficial nail in the Chiefs’ coffin.
The brilliant play came on DeJean’s 22nd birthday, no less.
“It’s crazy,” DeJean said after the blowout victory. “To be able to do it with this group of guys. I came in and since day one, all of us rookies, they brought us in, taught us everything they know.
“Now, to be here on the biggest stage and be able to hold that Lombardi Trophy and do it on my birthday and Saquon’s birthday – it’s pretty crazy.”
DeJean, a second-round pick, made history by becoming the first rookie to return an interception for a touchdown in a Super Bowl.
As incredible as DeJean’s performance was, many others felt pass rusher Josh Sweat was most deserving of the MVP.
Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Jeff McLane cast his MVP vote for Sweat, explaining his decision on social media.
“There were a lot of good candidates, but Sweat had an immediate impact on the game and kept Patrick Mahomes – one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time – under arrest for almost the entire game,” McLane posted on X.
Sweat himself admitted he felt he should have won the MVP instead of Hurts.
“I should’ve had it. I could’ve had it. It’s all good, though,” he said.
Despite the debate, Hurts ultimately secured the prestigious award, making him the 14th quarterback in the last 19 Super Bowls to win MVP.
He delivered a near-flawless performance, completing 17 of 22 passes for 221 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception while adding 72 rushing yards and a signature “Tush Push” touchdown.
It goes without saying that football is the ultimate team sport – and at the end of the day, winning is the only thing that matters.
Having said that, who do you think deserved to be the MVP???
