Going undrafted in the NFL is a gut punch, but it doesn’t mean the dream is over. Plenty of undrafted players have not only made it to the league but have also etched their names in Super Bowl history.
Here are 10 of the best undrafted players who defied the odds and became Super Bowl champions.
10. Jeff Saturday – Indianapolis Colts (Super Bowl XLI)
Jeff Saturday wasn’t even in the league right away after going undrafted in 1998. The Colts gave him a shot, and he made the most of it, becoming the anchor of their offensive line for over a decade. His leadership and protection helped Peyton Manning and the Colts secure a win in Super Bowl XLI over the Bears. Not bad for a guy who started out selling electrical supplies.
9. James Harrison – Pittsburgh Steelers (Super Bowls XL, XLIII)
James Harrison’s path to greatness wasn’t smooth. He was cut multiple times before finally sticking with the Steelers. But once he did, he became an absolute menace on defense. His 100-yard pick-six in Super Bowl XLIII is one of the most iconic plays in Super Bowl history. Oh, and he benched 500 pounds for fun. Just saying.
8. Chris Harris Jr. – Denver Broncos (Super Bowl 50)
The Broncos struck gold with Chris Harris Jr., an undrafted corner out of Kansas. He became one of the best shutdown corners in the NFL, earning multiple Pro Bowl nods. Harris was a crucial piece of the “No Fly Zone” defense that tormented Cam Newton and the Panthers in Super Bowl 50.
7. Adam Vinatieri – New England Patriots (Super Bowls XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) & Indianapolis Colts (Super Bowl XLI)
Adam Vinatieri didn’t just win Super Bowls—he decided them. The greatest clutch kicker in NFL history went from undrafted to legendary, nailing game-winning kicks in multiple Super Bowls. He’s got four rings to prove it, and his ice-cold demeanor under pressure made him a nightmare for opposing fans.
6. Kurt Warner – St. Louis Rams (Super Bowl XXXIV)
Before he was hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, Kurt Warner was stocking grocery store shelves and playing in the Arena League. Then the Rams gave him a chance, and he led “The Greatest Show on Turf” to a Super Bowl win in one of the most incredible underdog stories in sports history.
5. Malcolm Butler – New England Patriots (Super Bowl XLIX)
One play can change everything. Malcolm Butler went undrafted, signed with the Patriots, and made the game-saving interception against the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX. One yard away from a Seahawks victory, Butler read the play perfectly and became a hero overnight.
4. Arian Foster – Houston Texans (Super Bowl Champion with the 2016 Broncos)
Arian Foster was an undrafted gem out of Tennessee and became one of the best running backs of his era. Though best known for his time with the Texans, he was part of the Broncos’ Super Bowl 50-winning roster, contributing as a veteran presence on the team.
3. Rod Smith – Denver Broncos (Super Bowls XXXII, XXXIII)
Rod Smith went undrafted out of Missouri Southern and became the all-time leading receiver in Broncos history. He was a crucial part of John Elway’s back-to-back Super Bowl wins, making big-time plays when it mattered most. Not bad for a guy nobody wanted on draft day.
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2. Willie Wood – Green Bay Packers (Super Bowls I, II)
Willie Wood went undrafted in 1960 but became one of the best safeties in NFL history. A leader of Vince Lombardi’s legendary Packers, Wood helped Green Bay win the first two Super Bowls ever played and cemented himself as one of the best defensive backs of his era.
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1. Drew Pearson – Dallas Cowboys (Super Bowl XII)
Before he was a Hall of Famer, Drew Pearson was just another undrafted wide receiver trying to make it. The Cowboys gave him a shot, and he became a legend, helping Dallas win Super Bowl XII and catching some of the most famous passes in NFL history. He even invented the term “Hail Mary.” Talk about leaving your mark!
