How many triple crowns have there been in the NFL?
The NFL, or National Football League, has been the pinnacle of professional American football since its inception in 1920. Over the years, the league has seen numerous milestones and achievements, with one of the most prestigious being the triple crown. A triple crown is awarded to a player who wins the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), rushing, and passing titles in the same season. This rare feat has only been achieved a handful of times in the history of the NFL. Let’s delve into the details of these remarkable seasons and the players who have earned this exclusive honor.
The first triple crown was awarded in the 1934 season to Ernie Nevers of the Chicago Cardinals. Nevers was a running back and quarterback who led his team to a 9-1 record and won the league’s MVP award. He also topped the rushing and passing categories, becoming the first player to achieve the triple crown.
In 1958, the legendary Jim Brown of the Cleveland Browns became the second player to win the triple crown. Brown was a dominant force on the field, rushing for over 1,000 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns. He also threw for 665 yards and 6 touchdowns, showcasing his versatility as both a runner and a passer.
The next triple crown winner was Y.A. Tittle of the San Francisco 49ers in 1963. Tittle was a versatile quarterback who won the MVP award while leading his team to a 10-2 record. He rushed for 815 yards and 8 touchdowns, while also throwing for 2,937 yards and 33 touchdowns, making him the first quarterback to win the triple crown.
In 1972, Gale Sayers of the Chicago Bears became the fourth and final player to win the triple crown. Sayers was a running back who won the MVP award while leading the league in rushing yards and touchdowns. He also caught 31 passes for 454 yards and 3 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to excel in all aspects of the game.
Since then, no player has been able to replicate the triple crown feat. The combination of rushing, passing, and overall team performance required to win the triple crown is incredibly challenging, making it one of the most exclusive achievements in the NFL.
The triple crown is a testament to a player’s exceptional skill set and ability to excel in all areas of the game. The four players who have won the triple crown—Ernie Nevers, Jim Brown, Y.A. Tittle, and Gale Sayers—have left an indelible mark on the history of the NFL. While the triple crown may not be awarded again, the legacy of these four remarkable players will always be celebrated as some of the greatest to ever play the game.
