The Super Bowl is not only the pinnacle of American football, but it is also a stage for individual performances that can define careers and etch names into the annals of sports history.
This list takes a closer look at some of the most outstanding performances in Super Bowl history, where players have risen above the rest, showcasing incredible skill, determination, and athleticism to claim the coveted title of MVP. From defensive powerhouses to offensive dynamos, these players have left their indelible mark on the biggest game of the year.
19. Fred Biletnikoff, WR, Super Bowl XI
Fred Biletnikoff’s Super Bowl XI performance was a masterclass in clutch receiving. With 4 catches for 79 yards, he set up three Raiders touchdowns, earning MVP honors despite not scoring himself. His precise route-running and sure hands were crucial in Oakland’s 32-14 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in 1977.
18. Malcolm Smith, LB, Super Bowl XLVIII
Malcolm Smith’s MVP performance in Super Bowl XLVIII was a defensive masterclass. The Seahawks linebacker recorded nine tackles, recovered a fumble, and returned an interception 69 yards for a touchdown. His pivotal plays helped Seattle dominate the Broncos 43-8, securing the franchise’s first Super Bowl victory.
17. Cooper Kupp, WR, Super Bowl LVI
Cooper Kupp capped off his historic 2021 season with a Super Bowl MVP performance. He caught 8 passes for 92 yards and 2 touchdowns, including the game-winning score with 1:25 remaining. Kupp’s clutch plays on the final drive sealed the Rams’ 23-20 victory over the Bengals.
16. Jake Scott, S, Super Bowl VII
Jake Scott’s stellar performance in Super Bowl VII secured the Dolphins’ perfect 17-0 season. The safety intercepted two passes, including a crucial end zone pick in the fourth quarter, and returned them for 63 yards. His defensive prowess earned him MVP honors, making him only the second defensive player to win the award.
15. Emmitt Smith, RB, Super Bowl XXVIII
Emmitt Smith dominated Super Bowl XXVIII, leading the Dallas Cowboys to a 30-13 victory over the Buffalo Bills. He rushed for 132 yards on 30 carries, scored two touchdowns, and caught 4 passes for 26 yards. Smith’s MVP performance helped secure the Cowboys’ second consecutive Super Bowl title.
14. Ray Lewis, LB, Super Bowl XXXV
Ray Lewis dominated Super Bowl XXXV, leading the Ravens to a 34-7 victory over the Giants. The linebacker made 3 solo tackles, 2 assists, and blocked 4 passes. His disruptive presence forced 5 turnovers, earning him Super Bowl MVP honors and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history.
13. Santonio Holmes, WR, Super Bowl XLIII
Santonio Holmes made one of the most iconic catches in Super Bowl history, securing the Pittsburgh Steelers’ victory over the Arizona Cardinals. He finished with 9 receptions for 131 yards and the game-winning touchdown, a toe-tapping catch in the corner of the end zone with 35 seconds left. Holmes’ clutch performance earned him Super Bowl MVP honors.
12. John Riggins, RB, Super Bowl XVII
John Riggins delivered a legendary performance in Super Bowl XVII, rushing for a then-record 166 yards on 38 carries. His iconic 43-yard touchdown run on 4th-and-1 in the fourth quarter sealed the Redskins’ 27-17 victory over the Dolphins. At 33 years old, Riggins earned MVP honors for his clutch performance.
11. Deion Branch, WR, Super Bowl XXXIX
Deion Branch’s performance in Super Bowl XXXIX was exceptional, tying the then-record for receptions in a Super Bowl with 11 catches for 133 yards. His consistent production throughout the game helped the Patriots secure a 24-21 victory over the Eagles, earning him Super Bowl MVP honors.
10. Richard Dent, DE, Super Bowl XX
Richard Dent dominated Super Bowl XX, leading the Chicago Bears to a 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots. The defensive end recorded 1.5 sacks, forced two fumbles, and blocked a pass. His disruptive performance earned him the Super Bowl MVP award, becoming only the fourth defender to receive this honor.
9. Franco Harris, RB, Super Bowl IX
Franco Harris dominated Super Bowl IX, rushing for a then-record 158 yards and a touchdown on 34 carries. His performance earned him MVP honors as the Steelers defeated the Vikings 16-6. Harris’s powerful running set the tone for Pittsburgh’s first championship and launched their 1970s dynasty.
8. Larry Csonka, FB, Super Bowl VIII
Larry Csonka dominated Super Bowl VIII, rushing for a then-record 145 yards on 33 carries and scoring two touchdowns. His powerful running style overwhelmed the Vikings’ defense, leading the Dolphins to a 24-7 victory and their second consecutive championship. Csonka became the first running back to win Super Bowl MVP.
7. Von Miller, LB, Super Bowl 50
Von Miller’s dominant performance in Super Bowl 50 earned him MVP honors. The Broncos linebacker recorded 2.5 sacks, 6 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 pass defended against the Panthers. His two strip-sacks of Cam Newton directly led to Denver touchdowns, sealing the 24-10 victory and the Broncos’ third Super Bowl title.
6. James White, RB, Super Bowl LI
James White’s heroics in Super Bowl LI were crucial to the Patriots’ historic comeback. He scored three touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime, and set a Super Bowl record with 14 receptions. White’s 20 total points scored tied the all-time Super Bowl record, cementing his place among the greatest individual performances.
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5. Desmond Howard, KR/PR, Super Bowl XXXI
Howard’s electrifying performance in Super Bowl XXXI propelled the Packers to victory. He set records with 244 total return yards and a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown. His game-changing plays earned him MVP honors, making him the first special teams player to win the award.
4. Lynn Swann, WR, Super Bowl X
Lynn Swann’s acrobatic catches in Super Bowl X cemented his legacy. With 4 receptions for a then-record 161 yards and a touchdown, Swann led the Steelers to a 21-17 victory over the Cowboys. His 64-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter sealed the win, earning him Super Bowl MVP honors.
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3. Marcus Allen, RB, Super Bowl XVIII
Marcus Allen’s performance in Super Bowl XVIII was legendary. He rushed for 191 yards on 20 carries, including a record-breaking 74-yard touchdown run. Allen’s explosive plays and two touchdowns earned him MVP honors as the Raiders dominated Washington 38-9. His rushing total still ranks second in Super Bowl history.
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2. Terrell Davis, RB, Super Bowl XXXII
Terrell Davis delivered a legendary performance in Super Bowl XXXII, rushing for 157 yards and scoring a record three touchdowns despite battling a migraine. His heroics propelled the Broncos to a 31-24 victory over the Packers, earning him MVP honors. As of 2024, Davis remains the last running back to win Super Bowl MVP.
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1. Jerry Rice, WR, Super Bowl XXIII
Jerry Rice dominated Super Bowl XXIII with a record-breaking performance, catching 11 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown in the 49ers’ 20-16 victory over the Bengals. His clutch receptions were crucial in the game-winning drive, solidifying his status as the greatest receiver in Super Bowl history.
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