{
  "id": 12691478,
  "title": "Rob Gronkowski Picks Surprising NFL MVP Favorite Ahead of Week 5",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/rob-gronkowski-picks-surprising-nfl-mvp-favorite-ahead-of-week-5",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-07T19:07:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/rob-gronkowski-picks-surprising-nfl-mvp-favorite-ahead-of-week-5-12537706"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former tight end Rob Gronkowski has picked Brock Purdy as his surprising NFL MVP favorite ahead of Week 5. During an appearance on Up & Adams, Gronkowski stated that Purdy should be the MVP front-runner, ahead of recent winners Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen.\n\nGronkowski praised Purdy's intelligence in the pocket, noting the quarterback's ability to scan defenses, process information, and make quick decisions based on what the defense is giving him. He explained that this is a rare skill that sets Purdy apart from other quarterbacks.\n\nPurdy has had a stellar start to the season, leading the 49ers to a 4-0 record with an NFL-best 89.7 QBR. He has thrown for 1,007 yards, 11 touchdowns, and only one interception, while maintaining an 8.9-yard-per-attempt average. However, Jackson's chances may diminish if he misses time due to an ankle injury.\n\nOther potential MVP candidates include Patrick Mahomes, Trevor Lawrence, and Dak Prescott, who have also had strong starts to the 2026 season. A strong performance from Purdy in Sunday's NFC West matchup against the Seattle Seahawks could further solidify his MVP case.",
  "summary": "Former star tight end Rob Gronkowski named a quarterback who should be the early MVP favorite over Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson.",
  "key_points": [
    "Rob Gronkowski picks Brock Purdy as NFL MVP favorite.",
    "Purdy praised for intelligence in pocket and quick decision-making.",
    "Purdy leads 49ers with 4-0 record, 89.7 QBR, and 11 TDs."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}