2012 NFL MVP: Timing of Prestigious Award Couldn't Be Worse for Aaron Rodgers

A regular season MVP means nothing without a matching ring.

The Associated Press voted Aaron Rodgers the league’s most valuable player for the 2011 campaign, but because the Green Bay Packers fell short of their ultimate goal, a Super Bowl victory, the honor is bittersweet. 

And because of that, the NFL should hand out major regular season awards right after Week 17, not before the world championship, when only one trophy is on everybody’s mind—the Lombardi.

According to stltoday.com, Rodgers said on NBC after receiving the prestigious award:

"

It means a lot to be recognized as a consistent player and contributing on my team.  I think it's an award that relies on a player having the support of his teammates, obviously, guys blocking, guys running, guys catching, guys making plays.  But I'm very honored to receive the award.

"

Notice the all-world quarterback giving credit to his teammates.  No sport defines the term "team" like football.  Rodgers attempted to turn the meaning of MVP into most valuable players because, at this point in the season, individual awards do nothing but decorate a trophy shelf.

While Rodgers had an insane statistical season, throwing for 4,643 yards and 45 touchdowns compared to just six interceptions, I guarantee he would trade his MVP and Pro Bowl invitation for a shot at the New England Patriots at Lucas Oil Stadium in a heartbeat. 

Now, if he received the trophy directly after the regular season concluded, the situation would be different.  But awarding the honor after the Super Bowl-favorite Packers had been eliminated puts a damper on something that deserves to be celebrated.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels