The Unlikely MVP: Jonathan Taylor Fuels Colts’ Surprise Season
The 2025 NFL season has delivered its usual share of drama and unexpected turns, but perhaps no story is more compelling than the resurgence of Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. A couple years after the Colts organization seemed ready to move on from their former All-Pro, Taylor has not only reclaimed his elite form but is now the clear frontrunner for the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award and a dark-horse MVP candidate, powering Indianapolis to a surprising start in the AFC South.
The Unlikely MVP: Jonathan Taylor Fuels Colts to Strong 8-2 Start
From Potential Trade Bait to Unquestioned Bell Cow
Entering the 2025 season, the narrative around Taylor in Indianapolis was fraught with uncertainty. Dealing with multiple injuries throughout his career and an offseason marked by a public contract dispute in 2023, many wondered if he had a future in Indianapolis. The Colts had even explored trade options in the past, signaling a potential split if Indianapolis struggled early on in 2025 as expected. The situation was further complicated by the team’s quarterback dynamics, with 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson seemingly falling out of favor and veteran Daniel Jones named the starter for 2025.
But once the regular season began, Taylor provided an emphatic answer. He quickly put the drama and previous injuries behind him, showcasing the explosive, game-breaking talent that made him a first-team All-Pro in 2021.
A Dominant Mid-Season Performance
Through the first 10 weeks of the 2025 season, Taylor has been a dominant force, leading the league in rushing yards and total expected points added (EPA) among running backs. He has rushed for over 100 yards in multiple games and has been the engine of the Colts’ offense. His ability to control the clock and consistently break tackles has been instrumental in the team’s unexpected 8-2 record through the first 10 games.
Taylor’s success has also taken immense pressure off of Jones and the entire offense. The Colts’ game plan has effectively leaned into their potent ground game, a strategy that has stifled opposing defenses and kept the chains moving. This shift in offensive identity has transformed Indianapolis from an overlooked team to a legitimate Super Bowl contender and they are currently fighting for the top seed in the AFC.
An Unlikely MVP Race
The conversation around the 2025 NFL MVP has been dominated by perennial favorites like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson, along with the surprising emergence of Drake Maye. However, Taylor’s undeniable impact has forced his way into the conversation. A running back winning MVP is a rare feat in the modern, pass-heavy NFL, but his production is making a compelling case.
The Colts success is intrinsically tied to Taylor’s performance. When he gets at least 18 carries, the team is undefeated, a stark indicator of his value. With the AFC having a ferocious chess match at the top, having a player who can single-handedly alter the course of a game provides Indianapolis with a unique edge. If you were to take Taylor off the Colts, they would no longer be Super Bowl contenders and an argument could be made that they wouldn’t even be the best team in the AFC South. This makes Taylor just as valuable as the quarterbacks he is competing against for the award.
As the second half of the season is underway, all eyes are on Taylor to see if he can maintain this historic pace and carry the Colts deep into the postseason. It is an inspiring tale of redemption and resilience, reminding the football world that even in a league dominated by quarterbacks, a superstar running back can still be the heart and soul of a championship-caliber team.
SHOCKING LIVE TV MOMENT FROM EAGLES: “HE’S JUST A FOOTBALL PLAYER.”
THE MOMENT THAT SHOOK AMERICA
It was a moment that no one saw coming.
The stage was set. The cameras rolled. The audience was captivated by a lively discussion about athletes transcending their roles as mere sports figures. The panel, led by Whoopi Goldberg, had been tackling the impact athletes have beyond the game when she dropped a line that seemed harmless at first.
"Look, he's just a football player," she said, half-smiling.
The words hung in the air, simple but loaded. The room froze. The audience shifted uncomfortably in their seats. And then, all eyes turned to Saquon Barkley.
Sitting quietly at the other end of the table, Saquon didn’t flinch. He didn’t snap back immediately. Instead, the NFL star slowly leaned forward, eyes locked onto the camera. A silence fell across the room as his jaw tightened, preparing to speak. The tension was palpable, and everyone knew something was about to shift.
And then, he spoke.
Saquon's Mic-Dropping Moment
“If I were just a football player..." His voice, steady and calm, cut through the heavy silence.
"...I wouldn’t be here today. I wouldn’t be fighting for kids who can’t fight for themselves. I wouldn’t be speaking up for families who feel invisible. And I sure wouldn’t be sitting at this table trying to remind America that the people you cheer for on Sunday are human on Monday.”
The words hit like a thunderclap.
Time seemed to slow down. The audience sat frozen in stunned silence. Even Whoopi Goldberg, who had casually thrown out the now-infamous line, found herself speechless, blinking as if processing what just unfolded before her eyes.
The entire studio was still. No one dared speak. And then, with a quiet but resolute tone, Saquon dropped the final bombshell:
“People love what we do... they just forget why we do it. It’s not for the cameras. It’s for the community that raised us.”
A Viral Explosion Across the Nation
The shockwaves rippled through the nation instantly.
Within minutes, the clip was everywhere. Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok—Saquon’s words were shared by millions:
“SAQUON JUST ENDED WHOOPI LIVE ON TV!”
“THIS IS THE QUOTE OF THE YEAR.”
“Athletes are NOT your entertainment machines.”
“THIS CHANGED THE WHOLE CONVERSATION.”
It wasn’t just about what he said—it was about the powerful, unflinching way he delivered it. It was the look on his face that spoke volumes. It wasn’t anger, nor was it a defense of his pride—it was the deep disappointment of seeing athletes reduced to mere pawns in the entertainment world, devoid of their humanity.
The Ripple Effect: A Cultural Wake-Up Call
The next day, the conversation had transformed into a nationwide movement.
Talk shows debated the role of athletes in society. Teachers played the clip for students, sparking discussions about empathy and understanding. Parents shared the message with their children. Veterans, community leaders, and former players all chimed in, offering their own stories of being overlooked and misunderstood.
In an unexpected twist, even casual fans began posting the same refrain:
“We want to see the human being behind the jersey.”
Vrabel's Powerful Response
The viral ignition didn’t stop there.
Later that evening, Mike Vrabel, assistant coach of the Eagles, was asked about the moment. Instead of brushing it off, he took the opportunity to drop his own truth:
“If you think any of these guys are ‘just football players,’ you’ve never been inside a locker room. You’ve never seen what they carry. You’ve never seen what they survive.”
That powerful quote also quickly spread, earning over 20 million views in under a day.
The Lasting Impact
What began as an uncomfortable moment on a live talk show exploded into a cultural conversation that hit every corner of America. What followed was not just a single moment of realization, but a national wake-up call: athletes are more than just their roles on the field. They’re human beings with struggles, triumphs, and voices that deserve to be heard.
The world may love watching them play on Sundays, but as Saquon Barkley reminded us all, they are doing it for far more than just the cameras.
This moment will be remembered as one of the most powerful statements from a sports figure in recent history—one that shone a light on the humanity behind the jersey.
