Ranking All 57 Super Bowl MVPs, From Bart Starr to Patrick Mahomes
With Super Bowl LVIII a few days away, we decided to rank all 57 Super Bowl MVPs, from Bart Starr in 1966 to Patrick Mahomes last season.
Statistical numbers played a factor in these rankings, but memorable moments and history making feats were also heavily considered. That’s right, Eli Manning will be high on this list. He got the best of Tom Brady twice, but the legendary Patriots and Buccaneers quarterback has five Super Bowl MVPs, the most all-time.
Who will be the 58th Super Bowl MVP? We’ll find out when the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs square off at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas at 6:30 p.m. ET Sunday.
But first, let’s get to the rankings.
57. Chuck Howley, LB, Dallas Cowboys, Super Bowl V vs. Baltimore Colts (1970)
Howley, a member of Dallas’s “Doomsday Defense,” remains the only Super Bowl MVP in NFL history to play on the losing team. The Cowboys lost to the Baltimore Colts, 16–13, in a game that featured 11 turnovers. Howley didn’t want the award, but he earned it by recording two interceptions. Meanwhile, Colts rookie kicker Jim O’Brien converted three field goals, including the game winner with five seconds left.
56. Terry Bradshaw, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers, Super Bowl XIV vs. Los Angeles Rams (1979)
Bradshaw gained 14.7 yards per attempt in Super Bowl XIV, which still stands as a Super Bowl record.
Walter Iooss Jr./SI
Bradshaw didn’t have the best performance, but it was enough to win his second career Super Bowl MVP. The Steelers’ signal-caller (and Fox Sports analyst) tossed two touchdown passes and three interceptions against the Rams.
55. Jake Scott, S, Miami Dolphins, Super Bowl VII vs. Washington (1972 season)
Scott and the dominant Dolphins’ defense nearly had a Super Bowl shutout before allowing a late touchdown to Washington, winning 14–7. Scott had two interceptions and 55 total yards on the returns. The win completed Miami’s perfect 17–0 season.
54. Harvey Martin, DE/Randy White, DT, Dallas Cowboys, Super Bowl XII vs. Denver Broncos (1977)
The Cowboys’ defense smothered the Broncos, allowing only 10 points and 156 total yards. The Cowboys became the first and only team to have co-Super Bowl MVPs. Martin had two sacks and White contributed one sack.
53. Dexter Jackson, S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Super Bowl XXXVII vs. Oakland Raiders (2002)
The Buccaneers' top-ranked defense crushed the Raiders’ top-ranked offense in a Super Bowl best known for being Jon Gruden’s revenge game. Gruden informed his stout defense of Rich Gannon’s tendencies, leading to five total interceptions. Jackson had two picks for 34 return yards.
52. Malcolm Smith, LB, Seattle Seahawks, Super Bowl XLVIII vs. Denver Broncos (2013)
This matchup also featured the No. 1 offense (Broncos) vs. the No. 1 defense (Seahawks). Once again defense prevailed, as Seattle’s “Legion of Boom” stifled Peyton Manning’s Broncos. Smith returned a Manning interception for a 69-yard touchdown and recovered a fumble.
51. Julian Edelman, WR, New England Patriots, Super Bowl LIII vs. Los Angeles Rams (2018)
Edelman was one of few bright spots in a game that didn’t have much offense. Brady’s reliable receiver recorded 10 catches for 141 yards, with the Patriots prevailing over Sean McVay’s Rams, 13–3.
50. Len Dawson, QB, Kansas City Chiefs, Super Bowl IV vs. Minnesota Vikings (1969)
After coming up short in the first-ever Super Bowl, Dawson and the Chiefs got the job done against the Vikings. Dawson had 142 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception, as the Chiefs cruised to a 23–7 win.
49. Tom Brady, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Super Bowl LV vs. Kansas City Chiefs (2020)
Brady’s fifth Super Bowl MVP was his first without Bill Belichick.
Matthew Emmons/USA TODAY Sports
Brady recorded his seventh Super Bowl title, but this one meant a little more because it was the first and only one with the Buccaneers, where he spent the final three years of his illustrious career. Brady didn’t need a game-winning drive for this Super Bowl because his Tampa Bay defense shut down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, 31–9.
48. Fred Biletnikoff, WR, Oakland Raiders, Super Bowl XI vs. Minnesota Vikings (1976)
The Hall of Fame wideout was instrumental in helping the Raiders sustain drives against the Vikings’ “Purple People Eaters” defensive line. Biletnikoff had four catches for 79 yards, including a 48-yard reception.
47. Hines Ward, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers, Super Bowl XL vs. Seattle Seahawks (2005)
Ward, the Steelers’ physical wideout, found the end zone on a trick play that saw wide receiver Antwaan Randle El throw a 43-yard touchdown pass. Ward had five catches for 123 yards against the Seahawks.
46. Roger Staubach, QB, Dallas Cowboys, Super Bowl VI vs. Miami Dolphins (1971)
Staubach had an efficient performance, throwing for 119 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. The Cowboys also had a balanced attack, with running back Duane Thomas rushing for 95 yards and one touchdown, as Dallas crushed Miami, 24–3.
45. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs, Super Bowl LIV vs. San Francisco 49ers (2019)
Mahomes orchestrated a late comeback against the 49ers to capture his first of two Super Bowl MVPs. The Chiefs trailed by 10 points midway through the fourth quarter before scoring 21 unanswered points. Mahomes finished with 286 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
44. Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis Colts, Super Bowl XLI vs. Chicago Bears (2006)
After years of falling short, Manning finally led the Colts to a Super Bowl title. It was a rocky start, however, because Devin Hester had a 92-yard touchdown return on the opening kickoff. Manning eventually regained control, throwing for 247 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
43. Ottis Anderson, RB, New York Giants, Super Bowl XXV vs. Buffalo Bills (1990)
Anderson helped the Giants control the clock to keep the Bills’ explosive offense on the sideline for long stretches. Anderson carried 21 times for 102 yards and one touchdown. But it almost wasn’t enough, as the Giants were bailed out by the infamous “wide right” missed field goal by Buffalo’s Scott Norwood.
42. Bart Starr, QB, Green Bay Packers, Super Bowl II vs. Oakland Raiders (1967)
Starr was MVP of the first two Super Bowls.
Neil Leifer/SI
The Packers cruised to a second consecutive Super Bowl win after defeating the Raiders, 33–14. Starr threw for 202 yards, one touchdown and was awarded his second Super Bowl MVP.
41. Mark Rypien, QB, Washington, Super Bowl XXVI vs. Buffalo Bills (1991)
Rypien, who had 292 passing yards, leaned on wideouts Art Monk and Gary Clark (each went over 100 receiving yards) to defeat the Bills, 37–24. Washington jumped out to a 24–0 advantage to start the game.
40. Von Miller, Edge, Denver Broncos, Super Bowl 50 vs. Carolina Panthers (2015)
This Super Bowl is best remembered for Cam Newton’s business decision to not dive on a loose fumble. Miller and his stout Denver defense pummeled Newton, as the Broncos beat the Panthers, 24–10. Miller recorded 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
39. Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams, Super Bowl LVI vs. Cincinnati Bengals (2021)
Kupp, the 2021 Offensive Player of the Year, completed his historic season by earning Super Bowl MVP in the 23–20 victory over Joe Burrow’s Bengals. Many believed Aaron Donald should have won the award, but Kupp did his part by recording eight catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns.
38. Desmond Howard, KR/PR, Green Bay Packers, Super Bowl XXXI vs. New England Patriots (1996)
Howard became the first special teams player to earn Super Bowl MVP honors. He had a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to help the Packers defeat the Patriots, 35–21. He had 154 total kickoff return yards, along with 90 punt return yards.
37. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs, Super Bowl LVII vs. Philadelphia Eagles (2022)
If Mahomes wins the MVP Sunday, he’d join Bart Starr and Terry Bradshaw as the only players to win back-to-back Super Bowl MVPs.
Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports
Mahomes had a memorable QB duel against Jalen Hurts in last year’s Super Bowl. Many wondered how well Mahomes would play because of an injured ankle. The league MVP had 183 yards and three touchdown passes to lead the Chiefs to a 38–35 victory.
36. Deion Branch, WR, New England Patriots, Super Bowl XXXIX vs. Eagles (2004)
Brady didn’t earn MVP for all of his Super Bowls because of Edelman and Branch, who had 11 catches for 133 yards against the Eagles. New England held on to defeat Philadelphia, 24–21.
35. Franco Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers, Super Bowl IX vs. Minnesota Vikings (1974)
The Steelers advanced to their first Super Bowl behind the legs of Harris, who didn’t disappoint in the big game. Harris rushed for 158 yards, 39 more than the 119 total yards generated by the Vikings, in a 16–6 Pittsburgh win.
34. Larry Brown, CB, Dallas Cowboys, Super Bowl XXX vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (1995)
Brown had two timely interceptions against Steelers quarterback Neil O’Donnell, including one that prevented Pittsburgh from taking a lead late in the game. This was the Cowboys’ third and last Super Bowl from their dynasty group of the 1990s.
33. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints, Super Bowl XLIV vs. Indianapolis Colts (2009)
Brees became a New Orleans legend after guiding the Saints to a 31–17 Super Bowl victory over Manning’s Colts. This was four years in the making for Brees and coach Sean Payton, and it helped the city heal from the devastation from Hurricane Katrina. Brees recorded 288 yards and two touchdowns.
32. Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants, Super Bowl XLVI vs. New England Patriots (2011)
Manning bested his older brother, Peyton, winning his second Super Bowl MVP. He also became known as the Patriots’ nemesis for beating them a second time in the Super Bowl. Peyton often struggled against Brady, but not Eli. The younger Manning passed for 296 yards and one improbable completion to Mario Manningham.
31. Richard Dent, DE, Chicago Bears, Super Bowl XX vs. New England Patriots (1985)
Dent was the star of the “Super Bowl Shuffle” and the MVP of the Bears’ 46–10 victory against the Patriots. The defensive end recorded 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles for Mike Ditka’s Bears.
30. Santonio Holmes, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers, Super Bowl XLIII vs. Arizona Cardinals (2008)
Not many Super Bowl MVPs can say they produced the game-winning score in the final 35 seconds of regulation. Ben Roethlisberger found Holmes in the corner of the end zone for a six-yard touchdown to eventually defeat the Cardinals, 27–23. Holmes finished with nine catches for 131 yards and one memorable touchdown.
29. Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens, Super Bowl XLVII vs. San Francisco 49ers (2012)
After a lengthy delay due to a power outage, Flacco helped the Ravens survive a second-half rally from the 49ers. The Ravens jumped to a 28–6 advantage after Jacoby Jones’s 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Flacco recorded 287 yards and three touchdowns.
28. Emmitt Smith, RB, Dallas Cowboys, Super Bowl XXVIII vs. Buffalo Bills (1993)
Smith earned MVP honors in the second of the Cowboys’ three Super Bowl titles in the ‘90s.
Walter Iooss Jr.
Smith’s 132-yard performance on the ground gave the Cowboys back-to-back Super Bowl titles and the Bills their fourth consecutive loss in the big game. Buffalo held a 13–6 halftime advantage before Smith took over with two touchdowns in the second half.
27. Jim Plunkett, QB, Oakland Raiders, Super Bowl XV vs. Philadelphia Eagles (1980)
Plunkett struggled to find his footing as the No. 1 pick of the Patriots. He also had a short stint with the 49ers before joining the Raiders as a backup. But all the adversity was worth it after Plunkett guided the Raiders to the Super Bowl, as he recorded 261 yards and three touchdowns.
26. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers, Super Bowl XLV vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (2010)
Surprisingly, Rodgers only has one Super Bowl appearance in his decorated career, but he made it count with a standout performance vs. the Steelers. Rodgers had 304 yards and three touchdowns for the sixth-seeded Packers.
25. John Elway, QB, Denver Broncos, Super Bowl XXXIII vs. Atlanta Falcons (1998)
Elway ended his Hall of Fame career by winning back-to-back Super Bowls and hoisting his first Super Bowl MVP. Elway produced 336 passing yards, including an 80-yard touchdown to Rod Smith. The Broncos defeated the Falcons, 34–19.
24. Joe Montana, QB, San Francisco 49ers, Super Bowl XVI vs. Cincinnati Bengals (1981)
Montana guided the 49ers to their first Super Bowl and quickly helped them jump to a 20–0 lead against the Bengals. “Joe Cool” threw for 157 yards, one touchdown and earned his first of three Super Bowl MVPs.
23. John Riggins, RB, Washington, Super Bowl XVII vs. Miami Dolphins (1982)
Riggins’s fouth-down touchdown run is one of the most iconic plays in Super Bowl history.
Tony Tomsic
Riggins had one of the most dominant postseasons ever by a running back, which was capped with 38 carries for 166 yards and one touchdown vs. the Dolphins. His 43-yard fourth-down scamper gave Washington the go-ahead lead in the fourth quarter.
22. Larry Csonka, RB, Miami Dolphins, Super Bowl VIII vs. Minnesota Vikings (1973)
Csonka became the first running back to win Super Bowl MVP after rushing for 145 yards and two touchdowns on 33 attempts. The Dolphins jumped to a 24–0 lead and didn’t allow the Vikings to score until the final quarter.
21. Ray Lewis, LB, Baltimore Ravens, Super Bowl XXXV vs. New York Giants (2000)
It was only fitting that one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history had a player from its unit win Super Bowl MVP. Lewis was the best player on the field, as the Hall of Fame linebacker wrecked the Giants’ offensive game plan: New York only had 152 total yards. Lewis blocked four passes.
20. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots, Super Bowl XXXVIII vs. Carolina Panthers (2003)
Brady and Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme delivered one of the more exciting Super Bowls in league history. Kicker Adam Vinatieri saved the day with a 41-yard field goal, but Brady was sensational, with 354 passing yards and three touchdowns.
19. Troy Aikman, QB, Dallas Cowboys, Super Bowl XXVII vs. Buffalo Bills (1992)
Aikman guided the Cowboys to their first Super Bowl crown in 15 years. Many thought the third time would be the charm for Buffalo after back-to-back Super Bowl losses to New York and Washington. Instead, Aikman threw for 273 yards and four touchdowns to blow out the Bills, 52–17.
18. Phil Simms, QB, New York Giants, Super Bowl XXI vs. Denver Broncos (1986)
The Giants hoisted their first Lombardi Trophy in franchise history after Simms carved up the Broncos for 268 yards and three touchdowns. New York scored 17 points in the third quarter to take control of the game.
17. Bart Starr, QB, Green Bay Packers, Super Bowl I vs. Kansas City Chiefs (1966)
Starr helped the Packers win the first ever Super Bowl—back when it was a showdown between the AFL and NFL champions. Starr outdueled Dawson, recording 250 passing yards and two touchdowns. The Packers defeated the Chiefs, 35–10.
16. Terry Bradshaw, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers, Super Bowl XIII vs. Dallas Cowboys (1978)
Bradshaw delivered a career performance in the 35–31 shootout against Staubach’s Cowboys. Bradshaw provided 318 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. Pittsburgh received a late scare from Dallas, but did enough to win the team’s third Super Bowl.
15. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots, Super Bowl XXXVI vs. St. Louis Rams (2001)
The legend of Brady grew after the second-year quarterback drafted in the sixth round got the best of Kurt Warner, the league’s MVP that season. The Patriots’ feisty defense contained Warner’s explosive Rams’ offense before Vinatieri drilled the game-winning 48-yard field goal. Brady had 145 yards compared to Warner’s 365.
14. Nick Foles, QB, Philadelphia Eagles, Super Bowl LII vs. New England Patriots (2017)
Foles is the only player in NFL history to throw a touchdown pass and catch a touchdown pass in the Super Bowl.
Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports
Brady edged out Warner, Mahomes and many other star quarterbacks in Super Bowls, but the backup-turned-folk hero in Philadelphia can say he beat Brady on the biggest stage. Foles had a stellar performance with 373 yards, three touchdowns passes and one iconic touchdown reception known as the “Philly Special.”
13. Lynn Swann, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers, Super Bowl X vs. Dallas Cowboys (1975)
Swann made history as the first ever wide receiver to capture the Super Bowl MVP. The legendary wideout, who went on to become a notable TV broadcaster, had four catches for 161 yards and one 64-yard touchdown.
12. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots, Super Bowl XLIX vs. Seattle Seahawks (2014)
Brady torched the Seahawks’ “Legion of Boom” defense with 328 passing yards for four touchdowns and two interceptions. But this Super Bowl will always be best remembered for Malcolm Butler’s game-saving interception at the goal line against Russell Wilson.
11. Marcus Allen, RB, Los Angeles Raiders, Super Bowl XVIII vs. Washington (1983)
Allen might have the most iconic touchdown run in Super Bowl history after he galloped for 74 yards in the third quarter. Allen finished with 191 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries. The Raiders cruised to a 38–9 victory.
10. Joe Namath, QB, New York Jets, Super Bowl III vs. Baltimore Colts (1967)
Namath delivered on his Super Bowl III guarantee and thus legitimized the AFL.
Neil Leifer
Namath came through on his iconic guarantee after delivering the Jets’ first and only Super Bowl in franchise history. He outdueled Johnny Unitas, as Namath recorded 206 passing yards. The Jets jumped to a 16–0 lead and never looked back in the Super Bowl that put the NFL on the map.
9. Joe Montana, QB, San Francisco 49ers, Super Bowl XXIV vs. Denver Broncos (1989)
The 49ers had a dominant 55–10 victory over the Broncos during Montana’s final Super Bowl appearance. Montana recorded 297 yards and five touchdowns for his third Super Bowl MVP. Elway, in his seventh season, had 108 passing yards and two interceptions.
8. Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants, Super Bowl XLII vs. New England Patriots (2007)
Manning’s heroics prevented the Patriots from achieving perfection, keeping the 1972 Dolphins as the only team in NFL history to go undefeated in a season. The younger Manning became a Super Bowl legend for throwing the famed “Helmet Catch” to David Tyree. Manning had 255 passing yards, guiding the Giants to a 17–14 victory.
7. Joe Montana, QB, San Francisco 49ers, Super Bowl XIX vs. Miami Dolphins (1984)
This quarterback showdown pinned Montana against a young Dan Marino, a first-round pick of the Dolphins in 1983. Marino won the MVP in his second season and set new records for passing yards and touchdowns in a season, but Montana proved he was still the best QB in the league, throwing for 331 yards and three touchdowns.
6. Terrell Davis, RB, Denver Broncos, Super Bowl XXXII vs. Green Bay Packers (1997)
Two years after battling for a roster spot as a sixth-round pick, Davis captured a Super Bowl MVP, rushing for 157 yards and three touchdowns. Denver’s victory snapped the NFC’s streak of 13 consecutive Super Bowl victories.
5. Doug Williams, QB, Washington, Super Bowl XXII vs. Denver Broncos (1987)
Williams set a Super bowl record with four touchdown passes in one quarter.
Icon Sportswire
Williams made history as the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl. He went from being a backup to a Super Bowl hero, helping Washington overcome an early 10–0 deficit. Williams threw for 340 yards and four touchdowns, as Washington scored 42 unanswered points.
4. Kurt Warner, QB, St. Louis Rams, Super Bowl XXXIV vs. Tenneessee Titans (1999)
Warner, the leader of the “Greatest Show on Turf,” threw for 414 yards and two touchdowns. The Rams jumped out to a 16–0 advantage, but the Titans rallied for a 16–16 tie with 2:12 left in regulation. Warner took it from there, connecting with Isaac Bruce for 73 yards and the eventual game-winning touchdown. Titans wide receiver Kevin Dyson was tackled one yard short of tying the game as time expired.
3. Jerry Rice, WR, San Francisco 49ers, Super Bowl XXIII vs. Cincinnati Bengals (1988)
Rice, who’s regarded as the greatest wide receiver of all time, delivered a superhuman performance. He had 11 catches for 215 receiving yards and one touchdown, which tied the game at 13 in the fourth quarter. Montana later threw the game-winning touchdown pass (to John Taylor) to lift the 49ers to a 20–16 victory.
2. Steve Young, QB, San Francisco 49ers, Super Bowl XXIX vs. San Diego Chargers (1994)
Young was on a mission, carrying the 49ers with six touchdown passes during a dominant 49–26 win over the Chargers. Young, who had 325 passing yards, proved that the franchise made the right decision in making him the starter after parting with Montana a year earlier.
1. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots, Super Bowl LI vs. Atlanta Falcons (2016)
Super Bowl LI was probably the most improbable of Brady’s MVP performances given the 28-3 third-quarter deficit..
Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports
There are many memorable Super Bowl performances, but only Brady can say he engineered the largest comeback in Super Bowl history after the Patriots trailed 28–3 in the third quarter. This is also the only Super Bowl to ever go to overtime. Brady passed for 466 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Running back James White had the game-winning score in overtime to give New England a 34–28 win.
