The role of a quarterback in securing a Super Bowl victory often places them in the spotlight, yet not all standout performances translate into enduring legacies akin to Tom Brady or Joe Montana.
From strategic minds to game managers, these players demonstrated that sometimes, it’s not just about the numbers, but the timely executions under pressure and the capacity to seize the moment.
10. Bob Griese (Miami Dolphins, Super Bowl VII and VIII)
Bob Griese steered the Miami Dolphins to two Super Bowl triumphs in the 1970s. His strategic play-calling, rather than flashy passing stats, was the secret sauce to their success.
Under Griese’s leadership, the Dolphins not only tasted victory but also etched their name in history with a flawless season in 1972. Recognizing his invaluable contributions to football, the Pro Football Hall of Fame welcomed him into their prestigious ranks in 1990.
9. Eli Manning (New York Giants, Super Bowl XLII and XLVI)
Defying the odds, Eli Manning steered the New York Giants to triumph in two Super Bowl showdowns, XLII and XLVI, outplaying the favored New England Patriots.
Manning’s exceptional performances in these games were pivotal in clinching the victories. His prowess in these high-stakes games earned him the title of Super Bowl MVP twice, a testament to his remarkable ability to shine when the pressure is on.
8. Nick Foles (Philadelphia Eagles, Super Bowl LII)
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the Philadelphia Eagles clinched their first-ever Super Bowl victory in 2018, outplaying the formidable New England Patriots with a score of 41-33.
The Eagles’ triumph was largely due to the exceptional performance of Nick Foles, who not only threw for an impressive number of yards and touchdowns but also caught a touchdown pass himself. His outstanding performance earned him the well-deserved title of Super Bowl MVP.
7. Joe Flacco (Baltimore Ravens, Super Bowl XLVII)
In the thrilling Super Bowl XLVII, the Baltimore Ravens clinched a nail-biting victory over the San Francisco 49ers, with a final score of 34-31. The game was a rollercoaster, even featuring a dramatic 34-minute power outage. Ravens’ quarterback, Joe Flacco, was the star of the show, delivering a stellar performance that won him the coveted Super Bowl MVP award.
His precise passes and strategic plays were instrumental in the win. But it wasn’t a one-man show. The Ravens’ defense and special teams also stepped up, making crucial plays that helped secure their championship triumph.
6. Mark Rypien (Washington Redskins, Super Bowl XXVI)
With a commanding performance in Super Bowl XXVI, Mark Rypien steered the Washington Redskins to a resounding 37-24 triumph over the Buffalo Bills.
His impressive passing game, which saw him complete more than half of his attempts, racked up nearly 300 yards and resulted in two touchdowns. This stellar showing earned him the coveted MVP title, cementing his place in the annals of football history.
5. Jim McMahon (Chicago Bears, Super Bowl XX)
In the thrilling Super Bowl XX, the Chicago Bears roared to victory with a crushing 46-10 win over the New England Patriots. The Bears’ quarterback, Jim McMahon, was a force to be reckoned with, charging through the Patriots’ defense to score two rushing touchdowns. He also showcased his throwing prowess, launching the ball for an impressive 256 yards.
McMahon’s nimble feet added another 14 yards to the tally. The Bears’ defense was equally formidable, holding the Patriots to a mere 7 rushing yards and matching the Super Bowl record with a whopping 7 sacks. This game was a testament to the Bears’ dominance and McMahon’s exceptional skill.
4. Doug Williams (Washington Redskins, Super Bowl XXII)
In the thrilling spectacle of Super Bowl XXII, Doug Williams, quarterback for the Washington Redskins, delivered a performance for the ages. With a stunning display of skill and precision, he catapulted his team to a resounding 42-10 victory.
The second quarter was a masterclass in offensive play, as Williams unleashed a barrage of four touchdown passes, setting a Super Bowl record. His overall game was equally impressive, with a completion rate of over 60% and a total of 340 yards. This remarkable feat earned him the coveted Super Bowl MVP award.
3. Jeff Hostetler (New York Giants, Super Bowl XXV)
In the thrilling Super Bowl XXV, Jeff Hostetler, the quarterback for the New York Giants, showcased his skills and led his team to a nail-biting victory over the Buffalo Bills. Hostetler’s impressive performance saw him complete more than half of his passes, racking up over 200 yards and scoring a crucial touchdown.
The Giants clinched the game with a razor-thin margin of 20-19. Their rock-solid defense and powerful running game were the secret weapons that tipped the scales in their favor.
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2. Brad Johnson (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Super Bowl XXXVII)
In Super Bowl XXXVII, Brad Johnson led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a resounding 48-21 triumph over the Oakland Raiders. Johnson showcased his skills, delivering a solid performance with a series of successful passes. However, the Buccaneers’ victory wasn’t just about Johnson’s prowess.
The team’s defense was a force to be reckoned with, snatching the ball from Raiders’ quarterback Rich Gannon multiple times and even scoring off these turnovers. Not to be outdone, Tampa Bay’s running game, spearheaded by Michael Pittman, made significant strides, adding to the team’s overall success.
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1. Trent Dilfer (Baltimore Ravens, Super Bowl XXXV)
In the thrilling 2001 Super Bowl XXXV, Trent Dilfer, the skilled quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, led his team to a stunning victory. The Ravens’ formidable defense was a crucial factor in their triumph, providing a solid backbone for the team’s performance. Dilfer, with his strategic passes and a touchdown, played a significant role in the game.
However, in a surprising turn of events, the Ravens decided not to renew Dilfer’s contract after the season, opting instead for Elvis Grbac. This decision has been a source of disappointment for Dilfer, as he has shared in subsequent interviews.
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