In the league’s annual midseason awards survey of general managers and other top executives, the Buffalo Bill‘s Josh Allen received notable MVP recognition, a reminder that his influence on the sport extends far beyond vocal fan bases and national media narratives.
Much of the spotlight, however, was on Matthew Stafford and a host of other breakout talents.
Stafford led the internal vote with 18 MVP selections, but Allen‘s four votes in that same balloting, conducted anonymously by decision-makers from all 30 NFL franchises, reflect deep respect for his play from those shaping rosters and strategies leaguewide.
For a quarterback who has spent nearly a decade in Buffalo reshaping the franchise’s identity, that continued recognition carries weight even if it isn’t the top spot right now.
The 2025 survey results highlight Allen‘s stature among his peers. As the reigning Associated PressNFL MVP, Allen entered this season with the kind of rsum most players dream about: a regularseason MVP trophy earned in 2024, where he edged out Lamar Jackson in one of the closest MVP votes in years.
That award marked his first NFL MVP and placed him among an elite group of quarterbacks on the league’s individual honors list.
In that historic year, Allen amassed 4,269 total yards, 41 total touchdowns, and cut his turnovers to the fewest of his career, becoming only the third quarterback ever to win MVP without a first-team AllPro selection.
Those achievements aren’t easily dismissed, and among executives who see game film and evaluate talent from an operational standpoint, they continue to influence discussions about value and impact.
Why GMS’ votes matter for Allen’s legacy
Allen‘s standing in the NFL isn’t defined solely by one award or one poll, but by consistent excellence in a challenging and evolving game.
In the midseason survey, his four MVP votes stood out because the conversation was crowded with compelling candidates, from Stafford‘s statistical dominance to the breakout playmaking of younger stars.
Executives tend to reward traits that aren’t always reflected in headline statistics: the ability to elevate teammates, to perform under duress, and to sustain excellence even when rosters change around you.
Allen has done exactly that throughout his tenure in Buffalo. The Bills have won five consecutive AFC East titles under his leadership, and Allen has become a model of durability and consistency, starting over 100 consecutive regularseason games as of the most recent campaigns.
Recent league trends also weigh in Allen‘s favor. He recently set a new NFL record for 18 AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors over his career, reflecting a rare blend of passing prowess and rushing versatility that keeps defenses off balance.
Additionally, Allen has nearly tied the NFL mark for most quarterback wins through eight seasons, almost matching Patrick Mahomes‘ 89 victories with 87 victories, a testament to longevity and winning that resonates with evaluators around the league.
