Introduction to the Super Bowl MVP Award
The Super Bowl MVP is awarded to the most valuable player of each year’s championship game, selected by a media panel. This guide lists every recipient, team, and key context so you can quickly see who won and why it mattered. The award highlights singular performances that shifted momentum, defined clutch moments, or elevated an entire team on the biggest stage.
Super Bowl MVPs by Edition
Below is a chronological, evergreen reference of Super Bowl winners and MVPs, including the final score, MVP honor, and why the performance stood out. Every entry reflects the official record and the narrative that defined the game.
| Super Bowl | Date | Winning Team | MVP | MVP Team | Score | Why MVP Mattered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan 15, 1967 | Green Bay Packers | Bart Starr | Green Bay Packers | 35–10 | Efficient 2-for-3 touchdown in key drives |
| 2 | Jan 14, 1968 | Green Bay Packers | Bart Starr | Green Bay Packers | 33–14 | Led balanced attack and defensive stands |
| 50 | Feb 7, 2016 | Denver Broncos | Von Miller | Denver Broncos | 24–10 | 3-sack, 2 forced fumbles shifted momentum |
| 58 | Feb 11, 2024 | Kansas City Chiefs | Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City Chiefs | 25–22 | 2 TD throws and clutch plays in 4th quarter |
Notable Single-Season Repeats and Dual MVPs
Some players earned multiple Super Bowl MVPs over their careers, while one player shares a unique distinction within a single season. Understanding these milestones helps clarify lasting impact in the championship moment.
- Bart Starr (1966, 1967): MVP of back-to-back Super Bowls in the first two editions.
- Charles Haley (1990, 1995): Won with two different teams (49ers, Cowboys).
- Tom Brady (2002, 2004, 2015, 2017): The most decorated Super Bowl MVP with five awards.
- Deion Branch (2004): One of only two players to earn Super Bowl MVP in their team’s sole win (alongside Santonio Holmes in 2006).
- Joe Theismann (1982): MVP of Super Bowl XVII while playing for the Washington Commanders.
Records at a Glance
Certain records define the legacy of the Super Bowl MVP award and reflect consistency, clutch performance, and position-specific impact in the championship.
| Record | Player(s) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Most Super Bowl MVPs | Tom Brady | 5 (tied with no one else) |
| Most Consecutive Super Bowl MVPs | Bart Starr | 2 (1966, 1967) |
| Only MVPs from Losing Teams | Chuck Howley, Doug Williams | Howley (1971, Cowboys), Williams (1988, Redskins) |
| First Non-White MVP | Fran Tarkenton (honored as co-MVP) | 1970 recognition; actual first Black MVP was Joe Theismann (1982) |
How the MVP is Selected
A panel of 媒体 members who cover the game intensively selects the Super Bowl MVP shortly after the final play. Voters consider impact on scoring, key defensive plays, leadership in critical moments, and overall influence on the outcome. The decision is announced after the trophy presentation and reflects the editors’ and writers’ on-the-spot judgment of performance and value.
Key Trends by Position
While every position can produce MVP-caliber performances, certain roles historically show higher frequency at the honor due to visibility and game-changing plays.
Quarterbacks
Most MVPs come from the quarterback position, driven by their role orchestrating scoring opportunities and directing both balanced runs and deep shots when the game is on the line.
Defensive Players
Defensive standouts, including pass rushers, linebackers, and defensive backs, earn MVPs when they generate turnovers, sacks, or pivotal stops that define the game’s tempo.
Special Teams
Returners and coverage players have earned MVP honors when a single play—such as a kickoff or pivotal coverage stop—directly shifts momentum or secures a lead.
Common Questions About Super Bowl MVP
Can a player from the losing team win MVP?
Yes. Chuck Howley (Dallas Cowboys, Super Bowl V) and Doug Williams (Washington Commanders, Super Bowl XXII) are the only two MVPs from losing teams, showing that individual excellence can be recognized even when the result doesn’t favor their side.
Who selects the Super Bowl MVP?
A media panel appointed by the league votes on the award shortly after the game ends. Their criteria include impact on scoring, clutch performance, and overall influence on the championship outcome.
Which player has won the most Super Bowl MVPs?
Tom Brady holds the record with five Super Bowl MVP awards, spanning multiple victories and roles on championship teams.
Are co-MVPs awarded?
Yes, there have been co-MVPs, typically when two players on the same team had truly exceptional and equally influential performances in the same game.
Does position affect MVP likelihood?
Quarterbacks and defensive stars win most often due to visibility, but any position—including special teams—can earn MVP when a singular play dramatically affects the result.
Closing Context
The Super Bowl MVP award captures the performance that most influenced the outcome of the championship on any given year. From legendary repeat winners to one-time standouts and even players from losing teams, the award reflects how individual excellence can define a moment in sports history. Use this list as a durable reference to understand who won, when, and why it mattered.