5 greatest Super Bowl MVPs in history

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5 February 2026 at 16:20

We are less than a week away from Super Bowl 60 between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. The Super Bowl is one of, if not the biggest, sporting events in the world. The spotlight is at its brightest, and the player who shines the most is often named Super Bowl MVP. Although we see a quarterback win the award more times than not, there happen to be two non-quarterbacks on this list.

These five players performed at their best when it mattered most and put together the five most impressive MVP performances in Super Bowl history.

MORE: Ranking the greatest Super Bowl quarterback performances

5. Terrell Davis, RB, Denver Broncos, Super Bowl XXXII vs. Green Bay Packers

Jan 25, 1998; San Diego, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis (30) talks with Fox News personality Ryan Kilmeade after Super Bowl XXXII against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium. The Broncos defeated the Packers 31-24. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports

The former sixth-round pick dethroned Brett Favre and the Packers with a massive performance. Davis’ 157 yards rushing and 3 TDs helped John Elway finally win his first Super Bowl.

4. Joe Montana, QB, San Francisco 49ers, Super Bowl XXIV vs. Denver Broncos

Jan 28, 1990; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana (16) on the sideline against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXIV at the Superdome. The 49ers defeated the Broncos 55-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

One of the best performances by a QB in Super Bowl History, Montana absolutely dissected the vaunted Orange Crush defense. Joe Cool threw for 297 yards and 5 TDs in the 55-10 rout.

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3. Jerry Rice, WR, San Francisco 49ers, Super Bowl XXIII vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Jan 22, 1989; Miami, FL, USA; Jerry Rice of the San Francisco 49ers stretches for a 14-yard touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during Super Bowl XXIII at Joe Robbie Stadium. The 49ers won the game 20-16. Rice was the most valuable player of the game. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports (c)Copyright 1989 by USA TODAY Sports

The NFL’s best receiver ever earned his stripes against the Bengals with a magnificent route-running display. His 11 catches for 215 yards and a score helped the 49ers win 20-16 over the Bengals.

2. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots, Super Bowl LI vs. Atlanta Falcons

Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The greatest comeback in Super Bowl history was orchestrated by the winningest quarterback in NFL history. Brady tossed for 466 yards, 2 TDs, and an interception to complete a 25-point comeback that ended in a 34-28 overtime victory.

1. Steve Young, QB, San Francisco 49ers, Super Bowl XXIX vs. San Diego Chargers

Jan 29, 1995; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Francisco quarterback Steve Young (8) holds the Lombardi trophy while talking with sportscaster Brent Musburger after winning Super Bowl XXIX at Joe Robbie Stadium against the San Diego Chargers. Young set a Super Bowl record with 6 touchdown passes and was named the games most valuable player. The 49ers defeated the Chargers 49-26. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY NETWORK

This could be the best performance by any QB, ever. After finally taking out the Cowboys in the NFC Championship, Young proved that he could replace the departed Joe Montana in the Super Bowl with 325 passing yards, 6 TD passes, and a 49-26 rout of the Chargers.