Ex-NFL MVP reveals what Joe Burrow, Tom Brady have in common

Former NFL MVP Cam Newton highlighted a striking statistical parallel between Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and NFL legend Tom Brady. During a candid conversation, Newton talked about Burrow's elite-level performance despite not being the favorite to win the MVP award.

Newton, a Heisman Trophy winner and 2015 NFL MVP, connected with Burrow over their shared accolades. Both QBs claimed college football's highest honors and earned royal nicknames in their respective cities as franchise cornerstones.

ESPN's "NFL Countdown: Special Edition" will broadcast the conversation on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC. The segment focuses on Burrow's MVP candidacy and Week 18 stakes.

"Burrow is one of three players all time to throw for 4,500 yards, 40 passing touchdowns, fewer than 10 interceptions in a single season," Newton said. "Who else did that? Tom Brady in 2007. Aaron Rodgers in 2011. You know the thing that they had? They both won it. They both won the MVP."

Despite matching these historic numbers, Burrow's MVP odds (+1,800) trail behind Josh Allen (-320) and Lamar Jackson (+225). His Bengals hold just a 17% chance of reaching the playoffs, according to The New York Times.

Joe Burrow eyes future MVP glory

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After the Cincinnati Bengals' 30-24 overtime victory against the Denver Broncos in Week 17, fans showered Burrow with MVP chants. His response balanced humility with determination.

"I doubt it," Burrow said after the game about winning MVP this season. "I'll win one one day."

The history of MVP winners missing the playoffs adds intrigue to Joe Burrow's case. Johnny Unitas claimed the 1967 award after throwing 3,428 yards and 20 touchdowns with the Baltimore Colts. O.J. Simpson earned his 1973 MVP by becoming the first running back to surpass 2,000 rushing yards.

Burrow's potential MVP win without a playoff appearance would place him in rare company. Only Unitas and Simpson have achieved this feat in NFL history. The Colts finished 11-1-2 in Unitas's MVP season but missed the playoffs due to tiebreakers. Simpson's Bills posted a 9-5 record but fell short of the postseason.

The Bengals QB's remarkable season mirrors Brady's historic 2007 campaign. Brady went on to claim five Super Bowl MVPs, setting the record for the most in NFL history. This statistical alignment suggests Burrow's ceiling remains sky-high, even as his team battles for playoff contention.