The Cincinnati Bengals have produced two NFL Most Valuable Player award winners in franchise history. Quarterback Ken Anderson claimed the honor in 1981 after leading the league in passer rating and completion percentage while guiding Cincinnati to Super Bowl XVI. Seven years later, Boomer Esiason won the award in 1988, throwing for 3,572 yards and 28 touchdowns as the Bengals reached Super Bowl XXIII.
Current star quarterback Joe Burrow, selected first overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, has emerged as one of the league's premier passers. Through his first four seasons, Burrow has thrown for over 16,000 yards and 110 touchdowns, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2022 and leading Cincinnati to a Super Bowl LVI appearance. The question of whether Burrow will become the third Bengals player to capture the MVP award remains a topic of discussion as the 2026 season progresses.
