40 Years ago the NFL MVP was a Washington Redskin
Washington Redskins 1982 History for $300 please.
The answer, “He played 13 seasons for Washington, was a two-time Pro Bowler, one-time All-Pro and NFL MVP in 1982.”
Contestant #1: “Who is Joe Theismann?”
Risk Host: “No”
Contestant #2: “Who is John Riggins?”
Risk Host: “No”
The question: “Who is the Monk of Art?”
Jeopardy Host: “No, I feel sorry for the contestants, those are all good answers, but they’re not the right answer.”
Theismann was also a two-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro. He also finished fourth in the Associated Press MVP voting that season in 1982. Chargers quarterback Dan Fouts was second, Raiders running back Marcus Allen third and Cowboys quarterback Danny White fifth.
Riggins was a one-time All-Pro and one-time Pro Bowler (hard to believe only once with some very good seasons). He was also the MVP of Super Bowl XVII and the following season set a then NFL record by rushing for 24 touchdowns.
Monk was a three-time Super Bowl champion and three-time Pro-Bowler. He set an NFL singles record of 106 receptions in 1984 and led the NFL in 1985 with 81.7 receiving yards per game. He retired the all-time receptions leader in NFL history.
The correct answer we are looking for is forward Mark Moseley. Yes, a kicker was voted NFL MVP.
How come the AP writers voted the Washington player the NFL MVP for the 1982 season?
To begin with, Washington was the No. 1 seed. 1 in the NFC by finishing 8-1 in the regular season shortened by touchdowns. Besides, it was also how they won the games.
In the opener in Philadelphia, Moseley connected from 48 yards out, sending the game into overtime, and then his field goal won the game.
In the cold December in St. Louis, Washington couldn’t get the ball into the end zone, but Moseley connected on all four field goal attempts in a 12-7 victory over the Cardinals.
The following week at RFK Moseley was accurate on all three field goal attempts in a 15-14 win over the Giants. His final field goal came with just four seconds left as snow fell on the muddy grass field. He also broke the then-NFL record of 20 consecutive field goals, giving Moseley 21 for the new record.
Moseley would hit his next two home runs in New Orleans the following week, extending his hitting streak to 23 (dating back to the end of the ’81 season) before losing in the season finale at home against the Cardinals. Moseley would finish the ’82 season making 20 of 21 field goals for a 95.2% conversion percentage.
Did you know a forward once won the MVP!? Meet Mark Moseley. 😯 @adamrank pic.twitter.com/BUNpDdKpxH
— NFL (@NFL) July 22, 2022
40 years ago, the 1982 Washington Redskins gave us the launch of the Hogs, Riggins SB XVII MVP, Washington finishing 12-1 in the strike-shortened season, Washington Super Bowl XVII champions, beating Miami 27-17 and yes, their kicker, Mark Moseley was voted NFL MVP.
