Josh Allen’s breakthrough came on awards night for the NFL, not on Super Bowl Sunday. The Buffalo Bills quarterback was named the NFL’s most valuable player for the first time Thursday, further cementing his status among the league’s elite players.

For the past 11 seasons, being named the AP first-team All-Pro quarterback was a prelude to winning the NFL’s MVP award.

Josh Allen edged out Lamar Jackson again. Nearly three weeks after the Bills quarterback led Buffalo to a victory over the Ravens in the divisional round of the playoffs to end Baltimore’s season, Allen was named The Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player for the first time Thursday night.