The Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award, or Super Bowl MVP, is an award presented annually to the most valuable player of the Super Bowl, the National Football League's (NFL) championship game. The winner is chosen by a fan vote during the game and by a panel of 16 American football writers and broadcasters who vote after the game. The media panel's ballots count for 80 percent of the vote tally, while the viewers' ballots make up the other 20 percent.[1] The game's viewing audience can vote on the Internet or by using cellular phones;[1] Super Bowl XXXV, held in 2001, was the first Super Bowl where fan voting was allowed.[2]
Since the first Super Bowl was held in 1967, the MVP award has been given to 41 players. From 1967 to 1989, the Super Bowl MVP was presented by SPORT magazine.[3] Bart Starr was the MVP of the first two Super Bowls. Since 1990, the award has been presented by the NFL.[3] At Super Bowl XXV, the league first awarded the Pete Rozelle Trophy, named after the former NFL commissioner, to the Super Bowl MVP.[4] Ottis Anderson was the first to win the trophy.[5] The most recent Super Bowl MVP was Patrick Mahomes, who was named the most valuable player of Super Bowl LVIII, held on February 11, 2024.
Tom Brady is the only player to have won five Super Bowl MVP awards. Joe Montana and Patrick Mahomes have won three Super Bowl MVP awards; four others—Bart Starr, Terry Bradshaw, Eli Manning, and Patrick Mahomes—have won the honor twice. The MVP has come from the winning team every year except 1971, when Dallas Cowboys linebacker Chuck Howley won the award despite the Cowboys' loss in Super Bowl V to the Baltimore Colts.[6] Harvey Martin and Randy White were named co-MVPs of Super Bowl XII, the only time co-MVPs have been chosen.[7] Including the Super Bowl XII co-MVPs, seven Cowboys players have won Super Bowl MVP awards, the most of any NFL team. Quarterbacks have earned the honor 24 times in 45 games. Mark Rypien and Hines Ward are the only players born outside the United States to earn the Super Bowl MVP; they were born in Canada and South Korea, respectively.[8] Roger Staubach, Jim Plunkett, Marcus Allen, and Desmond Howard are the only four players to have won the Super Bowl MVP and college football's Heisman Trophy.[9]
Table key[]
| † | Denotes player who is still active in NFL |
| * | Elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame |
| Player (#) | Denotes the number of times the player has won the award. |
| Year | Each year is linked to an article about that particular NFL season |
Winners[]
Terry Bradshaw, the MVP of Super Bowls XIII and XIV
Joe Montana won a record three Super Bowl MVP awards.
Jerry Rice, the MVP of Super Bowl XXIII
Tom Brady, the MVP of Super Bowls XXXVI and XXXVIII
By team[]
.jpg){kind=link}
Emmitt Smith won the Super Bowl XXVIII MVP award while playing for the Dallas Cowboys.
| Team | Total | Super Bowl(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys [d] | 7 | V, VI, XII, XXVII, XXVIII, XXX |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 6 | IX, X, XIII, XIV, XL, XLIII |
| New England Patriots | 6 | XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLIX, LI, LIII |
| San Francisco 49ers | 5 | XVI, XIX, XXIII, XXIV, XXIX |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 4 | IV, LIV, LVII, LVIII |
| Green Bay Packers | 4 | I, II, XXXI, XLV |
| New York Giants | 4 | XXI, XXV, XLII, XLVI |
| Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders | 3 | XI, XV, XVIII |
| Washington Redskins | 3 | XVII, XXII, XXVI |
| Denver Broncos | 3 | XXXII, XXXIII, 50 |
| Miami Dolphins | 2 | VII, VIII |
| Baltimore Ravens | 2 | XXXV, XLVII |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 2 | XXXVII, LV |
| St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams | 2 | XXXIV, LVI |
| New York Jets | 1 | III |
| Chicago Bears | 1 | XX |
| Indianapolis Colts | 1 | XLI |
| New Orleans Saints | 1 | XLIV |
| Seattle Seahawks | 1 | XLVIII |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 1 | LII |
By position[]
Quarterback Peyton Manning was the MVP of Super Bowl XLI.
| Position | Total |
|---|---|
| Quarterback | 28 |
| Running back | 7 |
| Wide receiver | 6 |
| Linebacker | 4 |
| Defensive end | 2 |
| Safety | 2 |
| Cornerback | 1 |
| Defensive tackle | 1 |
| Kick returner/punt returner | 1 |
Notes[]
Drew Brees was the MVP of Super Bowl XLIV.
- a The Super Bowl, played in January or February, ends the previous year's NFL season. For example, Super Bowl XLIII, held on February 1, 2009, ended the 2008 season.[53]
- b Howley is the only player from a losing team to be named MVP of the Super Bowl.[6]
- c1 c2 Harvey Martin and Randy White were named co-MVPs of Super Bowl XII, the only Super Bowl where co-MVPs were named.[20]
- d The Cowboys' total includes the co-MVPs of Super Bowl XII as two different recipients.
References[]
- General
- Super Bowl History. National Football League. Retrieved on January 6, 2009.
- Specific
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Fans to vote online, via wireless devices for Cadillac Super Bowl MVP. National Football League. Retrieved on January 12, 2009.
- ↑ Cummings, Tommy. "MVP Voting Takes Interaction to a New Level", San Francisco Chronicle, Hearst Corporation, January 24, 2001. Retrieved on February 25, 2007.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 2009 ESPN Sports Almanac,. ESPN Books (2008). ISBN 978-0-345-51172-0.
- ↑ "Sports People: Pro Football; The Rozelle Trophy", The New York Times, The New York Times Company, October 10, 1990. Retrieved on February 25, 2007.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Litsky, Frank. "Super Bowl XXV: The Game; Giants Win", The New York Times, The New York Times Company, January 28, 1991. Retrieved on January 7, 2009.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Lopresti, Mike. "Strolling through Super Bowl history: The Colts' last trip here was very different", USA Today, Gannett Company, January 24, 2007. Retrieved on January 6, 2009.
- ↑ History: Super Bowl XII MVP. National Football League. Retrieved on January 11, 2009.
- ↑ Farnsworth, Clare. "Super Bowl records", Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Hearst Corporation, February 6, 2006. Retrieved on February 13, 2011.
- ↑ Leyden, Tom (February 1, 2009). Leyden's Super Bowl Log. WXYZ-TV. Retrieved on April 26, 2009.
- ↑ Super Bowl Summaries: Super Bowl I. CNN Sports Illustrated. Retrieved on January 6, 2009.
- ↑ Super Bowl Summaries: Super Bowl II. CNN Sports Illustrated. Retrieved on January 6, 2009.
- ↑ Schwartz, Larry. Namath was lovable rogue. ESPN Classic. Retrieved on January 6, 2009.
- ↑ "Super Bowl Notebook: More QB questions", Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Hearst Corporation, February 1, 2002. Retrieved on February 13, 2011.
- ↑ Thurmond, Sarah (September 19, 2005). Legends and new stars sell Super Bowl XL Sports Illustrated. Time Inc.. Retrieved on January 6, 2009.
- ↑ Maule, Tex (January 22, 1973). 17–0–0 Sports Illustrated. Time Inc.. Retrieved on January 6, 2009.
- ↑ Super Bowl Summaries: Super Bowl VIII. CNN Sports Illustrated. Retrieved on January 6, 2009.
- ↑ Auman, Greg, Sharon Ginn, John C. Cotey. "Super side line", St. Petersburg Times, Times Publishing Company, January 22, 2001. Retrieved on January 6, 2001.
- ↑ Harris, John. "Steelers-Cowboys add to history", Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Tribune-Review Publishing Company, December 7, 2008. Retrieved on January 6, 2009.
- ↑ Paolantonio, Sal (January 20, 2009). '76 Raiders deserve more respect. ESPN. Retrieved on December 23, 2010.
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 Zeiger, Dan. "Super Bowl Memories: Super Bowl XII", East Valley Tribune, Freedom Communications, January 4, 2008. Retrieved on January 6, 2009.
- ↑ Jenkins, Dan (January 29, 1979). What A Passing Parade! Sports Illustrated. Time Inc.. Retrieved on January 6, 2009.
- ↑ "No. 23: Playoff success carried Bradshaw into Hall", USA Today, Gannett Company, June 20, 2007. Retrieved on January 6, 2009.
- ↑ Klancnik, Rudy (January 23, 2008). Plunkett overcame hardships to win two titles. ESPN. Retrieved on January 6, 2009.
- ↑ "Tom Brady & Joe Montana", San Francisco Chronicle, Hearst Corporation, February 7, 2005. Retrieved on January 6, 2009.
- ↑ Paul Zimmerman (February 7, 1983). Hail To The Redskins! Sports Illustrated. Time Inc.. Retrieved on January 7, 2009.
- ↑ Stone, Larry. "Marcus Allen tackles Shaun's flash", The Seattle Times, The Seattle Times Company, February 4, 2006. Retrieved on January 7, 2009.
- ↑ Zimmerman, Paul (January 25, 1985). The Niners Were Never Finer Sports Illustrated. Time Inc.. Retrieved on January 7, 2009.
- ↑ Zimmerman, Paul (February 3, 1986). A Brillant Case For The Defense Sports Illustrated. Time Inc.. Retrieved on January 7, 2009.
- ↑ Anderson, Dave. "Super Bowl XXI: Sports Of The Times; Sinatra, Simms and Minelli", The New York Times, The New York Times Company, January 26, 1987. Retrieved on January 7, 2009.
- ↑ Eskenazi, Gerald. "Williams Stars as Redskins Smash Broncos", The New York Times, The New York Times Company, February 1, 1988. Retrieved on January 7, 2009.
- ↑ George, Thomas. "49ers Snatch Victory With Last-Minute Score", The New York Times, The New York Times Company, January 23, 1989. Retrieved on January 7, 2009.
- ↑ George, Thomas. "The Big Easy: Fat City for Montana and 49ers; Broncos Fall, 55–10, And So Do Records", The New York Times, The New York Times Company, January 29, 1990. Retrieved on January 7, 2009.
- ↑ Thiel, Art. "Super Bowl Isn't Such A Big Deal, Says MVP Rypien", Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Hearst Corporation, January 27, 1992. Retrieved on February 13, 2011.
- ↑ Friend, Tom. "Super Bowl XXVII: Playmakers; A One-Two Punch Knocks Out the Bills", The New York Times, The New York Times Company, February 1, 1993. Retrieved on January 7, 2009.
- ↑ Litsky, Frank. "Super Bowl XXVIII; Smith Grabs Ball, Dallas Grabs Game", The New York Times, The New York Times Company, January 31, 1994. Retrieved on January 7, 2009.
- ↑ Aldridge, David. "The Young And The Defenseless — Chargers Unable To Slow 49ers' Route To 5th Title", The Washington Post, The Seattle Times, January 30, 1995. Retrieved on January 7, 2009.
- ↑ George, Thomas. "Super Bowl XXX: The Cowboy Way Is That Championship Season; Brown Plays Starring Role To Thwart Steelers' Hopes", The New York Times, The New York Times Comapny, January 29, 1996. Retrieved on January 7, 2009.
- ↑ Freeman, Mike. "Howard Goes to Disneyland, but Maybe Not Back to Packerland", The New York Times, The New York Times Company, January 28, 1997. Retrieved on January 7, 2009.
- ↑ George, Thomas. "Super Bowl XXXII: Victory, At Last, For Elway; Davis Scores 3 Times as Broncos End A.F.C.'s 13-Game Slide", The New York Times, The New York Times Company, January 26, 1998. Retrieved on January 7, 2009.
- ↑ Was Sunday Elway's Final Hoorah?. CBS Sportsline. CBS News (January 31, 1999). Retrieved on January 7, 2009.
- ↑ Clarke, Liz. "Hardy Warner Takes Home a Final Laurel", The Washington Post, The Washington Post Company, January 31, 2000. Retrieved on January 7, 2009.
- ↑ Pierson, Don. "Tagliabue: An honor to give Lewis MVP trophy", Chicago Tribune, The Baltimore Sun, January 29, 2001. Retrieved on January 7, 2009.
- ↑ Wood, Skip. "Brady proves mettle in biggest game", USA Today, Gannett Company, February 4, 2002. Retrieved on January 8, 2009.
- ↑ Trotter, Jim. "Unsung safety steps up with two first-half interceptions to win the game's biggest prize", The San Diego Union-Tribune, Copley Press, January 27, 2003. Retrieved on January 8, 2009.
- ↑ Curran, Tom E.. "Twice as nice", The Providence Journal, A. H. Belo, February 2, 2004. Retrieved on January 8, 2009.
- ↑ Young, Shalise Manza. "Dream comes true for Branch", The Providence Journal, A. H. Belo, February 7, 2005. Retrieved on January 8, 2009.
- ↑ Pedulla, Tom. "MVP Ward produces crucial yards at opportune times", USA Today, Gannett Company, February 6, 2006. Retrieved on January 8, 2009.
- ↑ Garber, Greg (February 4, 2007). Manning wins Big One as Colts beat Bears in Super Bowl. ESPN. Retrieved on January 8, 2009.
- ↑ Lapointe, Joe. "Manning Keeps Cool, and Keeps a Drive Alive", The New York Times, The New York Times Company, February 4, 2008. Retrieved on January 8, 2009.
- ↑ Lowrance, G. Newman. "Santonio Holmes tapped his toes to score the Steelers' winning touchdown", NFL.com, National Football League, February 1, 2009. Retrieved on January 24, 2010.
- ↑ Staff, AP Sports. "Saints stop Manning, top Colts 31-17 in Super Bowl", AOLNews.com, AOL News, February 7, 2010. Retrieved on February 7, 2010.
- ↑ Leahy, Sean. "Packers' Aaron Rodgers named MVP of Super Bowl XLV", usatoday.com, USA Today, February 6, 2011. Retrieved on February 7, 2011.
- ↑ 2008 Regular Season Standings. National Football League. Retrieved on November 13, 2009.