It’s widely agreed that a quarterback plays a pivotal role in any football team, which is evident from the fact that almost every NFL MVP over the past two decades has been a quarterback.
But in 2023, if you’re looking for the league’s most valuable player who doesn’t play the quarterback position, according to Shannon Sharpe, the answer is clear: Tyreek Hill, the wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins.
Sharpe, speaking on ESPN’s First Take, passionately expressed his view:
“He’s completely transformed how the Miami Dolphins operate. He’s one of the rare individuals in the history of the game who can turn a 5-yard route into an 80-yard spectacle. Legitimately, he poses a threat to score every time he touches the football.”
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Shannon Sharpe calls Tyreek Hill the most valuable non-QB player in the entire #NFL via @FirstTake
He says that Tyreek is one of a few players that can turn what should be a 5 yard gain into a touchdown at any time.
“That man, #10, at 5’8 and 195 pounds… pic.twitter.com/RjUziVSvNB
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) October 16, 2023
It’s a compelling argument, regardless of personal bias. After six games, Hill has amassed 42 receptions for a remarkable 814 yards and six touchdowns. His current pace suggests he could surpass 2,000 receiving yards, a milestone never achieved before.
Sharpe went on to say,
“He is the most menacing player, irrespective of his position. That man, No. 10, standing at 5-foot-8 and weighing 195 pounds, strikes more fear into the hearts of opposing coaches than any other player due to his incredible speed and game-changing abilities.”
For the record, Hill’s official height on the Dolphins’ roster is listed at 5’10, but the difference is arguably not of great consequence.
Sharpe’s co-host, Stephen A. Smith, offered a counterpoint. While he acknowledged Tyreek Hill’s exceptional qualities, Smith contended that the Dolphins have several offensive playmakers. Smith’s choice for the most valuable non-quarterback player is Christian McCaffrey, the running back for the San Francisco 49ers, who provides crucial support to quarterback Brock Purdy.
McCaffrey has accumulated 110 carries for 553 yards and seven touchdowns. Interestingly, both the 49ers and the Dolphins boast a 5-1 record, setting the stage for an exciting race to determine the true MVP as the season unfolds over the next 12 weeks.
