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Sports Illustrated's MVP Poll Ignites Patriots and Colts Fan Outrage

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, November 7th 2025 at 10:19 GMT by Sporting News

Sports Illustrated has left fans of the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts buzzing in a mixture of outrage, disbelief, and frustration. At the heart of the issue is the decision by a group of NFL executives to determine the league’s most valuable player based on a polling system that many felt excluded the very players and teams whose performances were at the center of the debate.

How the Poll Was Conducted

Sports Illustrated launched the poll on Tuesday, inviting fans, journalists, and a panel of former NFL officials to weigh in on who they believed deserved the MVP title for the 2023 season. Participants could vote through the magazine’s website, and the final tally was announced on Wednesday night, coinciding with the NFL’s weekly press conference.

While the poll’s format seemed democratic on the surface, the selection process was later revealed to be heavily influenced by a small committee of NFL executives who had the final say in the outcome. According to a statement released by the NFL’s Office of Communications, “the poll was designed to provide a broad, fan-driven perspective, but the league’s executive committee had the authority to adjust the final results to ensure that the selection reflected the broader consensus of the league.” This behind‑the‑scenes adjustment was not disclosed until the final announcement was made.

The Final Pick and Fan Reactions

When the final results were released, the MVP title went to Patrick Mahomes, the quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs. Mahomes’ performance over the course of the season—leading the Chiefs to a 15‑2 record and an appearance in the Super VIII—was no doubt a strong case for the award. However, the decision was perceived as a snub by many Patriots and Colts supporters, who felt that other players deserved the recognition.

For Patriots fans, the disappointment stemmed largely from the fact that Troy Aikman was among the top three finalists, with his veteran leadership and defensive contributions being highlighted by several independent analysts. Fans were especially vocal after the Patriots’ social media community posted a series of memes and GIFs calling the poll “a farce” and labeling it a “fifth-grade science fair.”

The Colts community, meanwhile, pointed to Lamar Jackson’s historic season as the most compelling argument for the award. Jackson’s 14–1 record, 3,920 passing yards, and 28 touchdown passes made him a clear frontrunner for the title in the eyes of many Colts supporters. In a series of tweets that went viral on the Patriots’ subreddit, users posted a thread titled “MVP: Lamar vs. Mahomes—Why It Should Be Lamar,” complete with side‑by‑side statistics that they claimed proved Jackson’s superiority.

The NFL’s Official Response

The NFL’s response to the backlash was swift and firm. In an interview with the New York Times, the league’s Executive Vice President of Operations, Mike Brown, emphasized that the MVP award is “a collaborative effort” and that the league’s executive committee is responsible for ensuring a fair process. Brown acknowledged that the “fan-driven” aspect of the poll had been “misunderstood” but insisted that the final decision reflected the “true spirit” of the league.

In addition to the press interview, the NFL released a supplemental briefing that detailed the criteria used by the executive committee in adjusting the poll results. According to the briefing, the committee weighed factors such as playoff performance, leadership, and overall impact on the team's success. The NFL also cited a recent survey in which 78% of NFL fans said they felt “connected to the decision” when the league’s executives made the final call.

Broader Implications for Fan Engagement

The debate over the MVP poll raises larger questions about the role of fans in determining league honors. The NFL’s own “MVP of the Week” awards, for instance, have long been awarded based on a combination of statistics and media votes, but never through a process that allows for executive override. As such, the league’s decision to allow a small group of executives to adjust a fan‑driven poll has been described by some analysts as “a departure from the league’s long‑standing tradition of transparency.”

Sports journalist John Smith, who covered the poll for the Associated Press, said in a recent op‑ed that “the current process risks eroding trust between the league and its fans.” Smith argued that fans are increasingly demanding “a more democratic approach” and that future MVP polls should either be fully automated or involve a larger, more diverse panel of voters.

A Look at the Next Steps

In the wake of the controversy, the NFL has pledged to reevaluate its polling methodology. During the next week’s executive meeting, the league is set to draft a new set of guidelines that will detail how future MVP polls will be conducted, who will be eligible to vote, and what mechanisms will be in place to prevent executive interference. Early reports suggest that the league may partner with a third‑party data analytics company to oversee the voting process and ensure it remains impartial.

Meanwhile, Patriots and Colts fans continue to rally around their teams and their players. Social media remains a battleground, with Patriots supporters organizing a “MVP for the People” campaign, while Colts fans have started a petition calling for a formal review of the league’s voting procedures. Whether the NFL will heed these calls remains to be seen, but the conversation it has sparked is a testament to the passion and engagement of its fan base.

In sum, the controversy over Sports Illustrated’s MVP poll has highlighted a critical tension between fan involvement and league control. As the NFL moves forward, the outcomes of its new guidelines will likely shape how fans perceive the legitimacy of future awards and the integrity of the league’s decision‑making processes.