Rob Gronkowski makes MVP case for underdog 49ers candidate

Quarterback Brock Purdy is the overwhelming favorite among San Francisco 49ers players to earn Most Valuable Player honors for the 2023 season, but future Hall of Famer Rob Gronkowski believes that 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey should be more than an afterthought in the MVP race. 

"He’s been scoring touchdowns every single game besides one, and he boosts the San Francisco 49ers like no other," Gronkowski said about McCaffrey's candidacy during a chat with Scott Thompson of Fox News Digital. "... So let’s give it to McCaffrey. He’s well deserving." 

According to StatMuse, McCaffrey ended Week 14 leading the NFL with 1,614 total yards from scrimmage and ranked second in the league with 17 offensive touchdowns (12 rushing, five receiving) this season. Meanwhile, the 10-3 49ers would be the No. 1 seed for the NFC portion of the playoffs if the postseason tournament started today. 

As of Tuesday afternoon, oddschecker had McCaffrey as a +5000 betting underdog to claim the MVP Award. To compare, Purdy was at +200 odds, while Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott topped the list at +160. 

A non-quarterback hasn't won MVP since running back Adrian Peterson achieved the feat for the 2012 campaign. 

"I mean, let’s give it to a skill player for once," Gronkowski said about McCaffrey possibly winning the award. "These quarterbacks, they just hand it to them because they’re the most popular players out on the field at the most important position, that’s for sure. No doubt about that. But there’s no one that’s consistent enough this year that is well-deserved to get it." 

49ers players such as dual-threat offensive weapon Deebo Samuel and star offensive tackle Trent Williams have already campaigned for Purdy to win MVP over Prescott, McCaffrey and all other contenders. Gronkowski thinks this is the right time for voters to choose a skill player over any signal-caller. 

"I don’t think there’s a deserving quarterback right now," Gronkowski explained about the MVP race. "There could be at the end of the year if someone picks up their play and is very, very consistent with it."

History suggests Gronkowski will be disappointed when the MVP winner is announced at the NFL Honors program in February.