Creating a list of the all-time best players in Super Bowl history is nearly an impossible task. Should you prioritize the most prominent stars? Those who excelled on the big day? Or those who sustained excellence over time?

While taking on this challenging task, I considered each factor while trying to ensure a balanced representation across all positions, rather than leaning too heavily on quarterbacks or offensive players who often dominate the statistics and MVP awards.

With that introduction, here’s my compilation of the 59 greatest players in Super Bowl history as we approach Super Bowl 59 featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles:

1. QB Tom Brady

The legendary New England Patriots quarterback, who later secured a championship with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, holds the record with seven Super Bowl rings and five Super Bowl MVP awards. He has started a remarkable 10 Super Bowls, leading all-time in pass attempts (421), completions (277), yards (3,039), and touchdowns (21). Brady set a Super Bowl record with 505 passing yards in the loss to Philadelphia in Super Bowl 52, surpassing his previous record of 466 from the year before. His standout performance in Super Bowl 51, where he orchestrated the greatest comeback ever against the Atlanta Falcons and won in overtime, is particularly memorable. Four years ago, he and the Buccaneers outclassed last year’s reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, adding another chapter to his legendary career.

2. QB Joe Montana

Although he has been surpassed in several metrics by Brady, Montana remains a benchmark for Super Bowl quarterbacks. He finished his Super Bowl career with a perfect 4-0 record, was named MVP three times, and tossed 11 touchdowns without any interceptions, giving him an impressive passer rating of 127.8. His iconic 92-yard touchdown drive in the final minute of Super Bowl 23, resulting in a victory with a TD to John Taylor, is unforgettable.

3. WR Jerry Rice

Known as the original “GOAT,” Rice is unmatched in Super Bowl records with 33 receptions, 589 receiving yards, and 8 touchdowns. No player besides Rob Gronkowski (5) has more than three Super Bowl touchdown catches, which Rice achieved in Super Bowl 29. His record of 215 receiving yards in a single game earned him the MVP title in Super Bowl 23, despite Montana’s legendary performance.

4. QB Terry Bradshaw

While he may have his critics, it was Bradshaw who guided the Steelers to Super Bowl victories 13 and 14, earning MVP honors both times. He was the first quarterback to win four Lombardi Trophies, and his nine touchdown passes rank third all-time. On top of that, Bradshaw’s toughness is evident; he threw the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl 10 while enduring a painful hit that knocked him out momentarily.

5. OLB/DE Charles Haley

Haley boasts five Super Bowl rings (two with the 49ers and three with the Cowboys), a tally surpassed only by Brady. He’s tied for the most sacks recorded in Super Bowl history with 4½ since the statistic became official in 1982. Haley notably sacked Bengals quarterback Boomer Esiason twice during Super Bowl 23, which the 49ers won by the narrowest of margins.

6. QB Doug Williams

He only appeared in one Super Bowl but made a significant mark by demonstrating that a Black quarterback could lead his team to victory—even while battling a hyperextended knee—in Super Bowl 22. Williams threw four touchdown passes in a stunning 35-point second quarter, earning MVP honors.

7. RB Emmitt Smith

MVP of Super Bowl 28, Smith played a key role for the Cowboys, rushing for 132 yards and two touchdowns in the second half. His five rushing touchdowns set a record, and his total of 289 rushing yards ranks third all-time.

8. QB Eli Manning

While not claiming he’s better than his older brother Peyton, Eli deserves inclusion on this list for his remarkable performances leading the New York Giants to two Super Bowl victories over the heavily favored Patriots, earning MVP honors both times with exceptional plays.

9. RB Terrell Davis

Davis delivered what many consider the best Super Bowl performance by a running back, rushing for 157 yards and tying a record with three touchdowns—despite suffering from a migraine—during Super Bowl 32, where he earned MVP honors as the Denver Broncos claimed their first championship. He also contributed 102 rushing yards and 50 receiving yards the following year in another Super Bowl win.

10. QB Joe Namath

Namath played more of a management role than a dynamic quarterback in Super Bowl 3, where he didn’t throw a touchdown pass in the Jets’ stunning win over the Colts. Nonetheless, he was named MVP for effectively guiding the game, executing smart plays, and fulfilling his famous pregame guarantee, altering the history of professional football by defeating what was then the NFL’s dominant establishment.

11. K Adam Vinatieri

With 34 Super Bowl points, Vinatieri ranks third all-time, but none are more critical than his game-winning field goals in Super Bowls 36 and 38 for the Patriots. He also earned a fourth championship with the Indianapolis Colts in 2006.

12. QB Bart Starr

Starr’s statistics may not astound—he threw for 452 yards and three touchdowns in two Super Bowls—but his steady leadership awarded him the first two Super Bowl MVPs, highlighting his role in the Packers’ legendary dynasty.

13. WR Lynn Swann

Swann built a Hall of Fame legacy over four Super Bowls, with significant plays including his memorable 64-yard touchdown catch in Super Bowl 10 that earned him MVP honors. His total of 364 receiving yards ranks him second behind only Rice, tied with Gronkowski.

14. QB Steve Young

Young’s record of six touchdown passes in the 49ers’ Super Bowl 29 victory remains unmatched. Remember, he also collected two additional rings as Montana’s backup.

15. QB Patrick Mahomes

There’s no doubt about Mahomes’ talent. He is set to become the first quarterback to start five Super Bowls before turning 30. As of Super Bowl 59, he has three victories and three MVP titles (only Brady has more). However, Mahomes has also thrown five interceptions against seven touchdowns, experienced challenges playing behind a weakened offensive line against Brady’s Buccaneers in Super Bowl 55, and didn’t outshine his counterparts in the Super Bowl 57 win against the Eagles.

His performance rating of 85.2 may not be eye-popping, but Mahomes was nothing short of extraordinary when it counted last year, particularly in the fourth quarter and overtime, during the victory against San Francisco. He threw the decisive touchdown pass and came close to a total of 400 yards in offense, achieving personal bests of 333 passing yards and 66 rushing yards in the Super Bowl.

16. MLB Jack Lambert

Known for his fierce style, Lambert recorded 46 tackles in Pittsburgh’s four Super Bowl wins. He famously threw Cowboys safety Cliff Harris after Harris taunted Steelers kicker Roy Gerela during Super Bowl X.

17. QB Kurt Warner

With a few lucky breaks, Warner could have amassed three championships instead of just one. Nonetheless, he deserves recognition for steering the previously struggling Rams and Cardinals to success. In Super Bowl 34, he earned MVP honors with a record-setting 414 passing yards, while also posting 377 yards in Super Bowl 43 and 365 yards in Super Bowl 36 – the top three passing performances in the game’s history before Tom Brady’s remarkable outings in Super Bowls 51 and 52.

18. RB Franco Harris

A four-time Super Bowl champion, Harris amassed a total of 354 rushing yards, with almost half of that coming in his Super Bowl 9 MVP performance, where he set a now-broken record with 158 rushing yards. His four rushing touchdowns rank just behind Emmitt Smith, and his 468 yards from scrimmage are second to Jerry Rice’s tally of 604.

19. MLB Ray Lewis

Before the game, he was seen as the villain, yet Lewis shone as Super Bowl 35’s MVP, leading the 2000 Baltimore Ravens defense in a decisive shutout against the Giants. Twelve years later, he claimed another ring in his final season.

20. DE L.C. Greenwood

Greenwood’s four sacks of Dallas quarterback Roger Staubach during Super Bowl 10 remain an unofficial record, as the NFL did not start officially counting sacks until 1982. He also recorded five total sacks during his career, having started in all four of Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl victories in the 1970s.

21. RB Roger Craig

As a crucial player for the San Francisco 49ers, Craig earned three Super Bowl rings and was among the first versatile running backs. He accumulated a total of 410 yards from scrimmage, placing him third in Super Bowl history, and he found the end zone four times.

22. TE Rob Gronkowski

While no tight end has completely dominated a Super Bowl, Gronkowski came remarkably close against the Eagles, with nine catches for 116 yards and two touchdowns in a losing effort. In New England’s Super Bowl 49 win, his presence was key, even with six catches for 68 yards and a touchdown, as he drew significant attention from the Seahawks defense. In Super Bowl 53, his crucial 29-yard reception on an injured thigh set up the game’s only touchdown. Despite playing with an ankle injury needing surgery, he nearly caught a game-winning Hail Mary pass in Super Bowl 46. Gronkowski also scored the first two touchdowns for the Buccaneers against Kansas City in Super Bowl 55, leading Tampa Bay to victory. He ranks second only to Jerry Rice in Super Bowl touchdowns and receiving yards, with 29 career receptions placing him third overall.

23. OLB Von Miller

As a unique defender who took home the MVP award, Miller was recognized for his performance in Super Bowl 50, where he recorded 2½ sacks and forced two fumbles. He also won another championship with the Rams in Super Bowl 56, tying the record for Super Bowl sacks.

24. OLB Ted Hendricks

Primarily remembered as a Raider, Hendricks won his first of four Super Bowl titles with the Baltimore Colts during Super Bowl 5, playing on a defense that never allowed more than 14 points in a game.

25. WR John Stallworth

Alongside fellow Steelers receiver Lynn Swann, Stallworth scored three Super Bowl touchdowns, two of them over 70 yards long. His 73-yard touchdown catch from Terry Bradshaw in the final quarter of Super Bowl 14 was pivotal in overcoming the resilient LA Rams.

26. RB Larry Csonka

As the primary running back for the Miami Dolphins, notably during their perfect 1972 season, Csonka ranks second to Franco Harris with 297 rushing yards across three Super Bowls. He scored twice in Super Bowl 8 while amassing a then-record 145 rushing yards, earning MVP honors, and had 112 rushing yards the year prior when Miami completed its undefeated season.

27. TE Travis Kelce

In four Super Bowl starts, Kelce has made 31 receptions (the second most after Rice), for a total of 350 yards and two touchdowns. Following a strong performance in Super Bowl 58, he is on track to become second on the all-time yardage list after Super Bowl 59, needing only 15 more yards to surpass Gronkowski and Swann.

28. WR Julian Edelman

Edelman has three Super Bowl rings to his name and was instrumental in earning the MVP award in Super Bowl 53, with 10 catches for 141 yards. His incredible shoestring catch of a deflected pass by Falcons cornerback Robert Alford two years earlier was a crucial moment in New England’s legendary comeback. A knee injury sidelined him during the Super Bowl 52 loss against Philadelphia, and his 337 receiving yards in Super Bowl history are surpassed only by Rice, Gronkowski, Swann, and Kelce.

29. QB Troy Aikman

Aikman led the Dallas Cowboys during the 1990s to three Super Bowl victories and was named MVP in Super Bowl 27 after throwing for 273 yards and four touchdowns. His impressive 70% completion rate in his three Super Bowl appearances makes him the most accurate passer in the game’s history.

30. QB Phil Simms

In Super Bowl 21, Simms threw 25 passes, with just three hitting the ground. His exceptional performance earned him MVP honors, leading the Giants to their first Lombardi Trophy among four total.

31. S Jake Scott

Scott’s two interceptions, including a game-sealing pick, played a crucial role in the Dolphins’ perfect season, earning him MVP status in Super Bowl 7. The following year, he secured another ring after recovering two fumbles from the Minnesota Vikings and also contributed by returning kickoffs and punts for Miami.

32. OLB Rod Martin

Martin has the unique distinction of intercepting three passes in a single Super Bowl. In Super Bowl 15, he achieved this feat against Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski, earning a championship ring with the Raiders while they were based in Oakland and another after their relocation to Los Angeles.

33. DT Joe Greene

Known as “Mean Joe,” Greene is a quintessential figure of the Steel Curtain defense for the Steelers, starting in all four of their Super Bowls during the 1970s.

34. WR Deion Branch

Branch is well-remembered for being the MVP of the Patriots’ Super Bowl 39 victory, where he recorded a then-record-tying 11 receptions for 133 yards. He may have outdone himself in the previous Super Bowl, catching 10 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers.

35. DT Aaron Donald

Often considered the best interior defensive lineman in NFL history, Donald anchored a Rams defense that surrendered only 13 points in Super Bowl 53, although it was a losing effort. Three years later, he achieved two crucial second-half sacks against Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, helping secure a 23-20 victory for the Los Angeles Rams.

36. CB Malcolm Butler

Butler, an undrafted rookie, became unforgettable by making one of the most pivotal plays in Super Bowl history. By intercepting Russell Wilson’s pass intended for Seattle Seahawks receiver Ricardo Lockette at the goal line, he turned a situation that seemed destined for loss into a championship for the Patriots.
although he did attract considerable attention for being practically sidelined by Bill Belichick during Super Bowl 52, a choice that seemed to have negative consequences.

37. OLB Chuck Howley

He’s the unique player who secured the MVP award while playing for the losing team, during the Cowboys’ defeat in Super Bowl 5. Howley also set a Super Bowl record for career interceptions with three, and he celebrated a championship victory the following year.

38. DT Manny Fernandez

In the Dolphins’ Super Bowl 7 victory, he recorded an impressive 17 tackles and one unofficial sack, which probably warranted him the MVP title. The next year, he also secured a sack and a championship ring.

39. CB Ty Law

His pivotal 47-yard interception return for a touchdown against Warner in Super Bowl 36 played a crucial role in New England’s era of success. Law went on to win three titles with the Patriots.

40. DE Justin Tuck

While his contributions in the Giants’ two victories over New England often go unnoticed, Tuck was a formidable opponent for Brady, managing two sacks in both matchups.

41. G Gene Upshaw

As a key member of the Oakland Raiders, he participated in three Super Bowls during three different decades. In Super Bowls 11 and 15, he paired with fellow Hall of Famer Art Shell, forming possibly the best left side in offensive line history and overpowering both the Vikings and Eagles defenses to win their first two championships.

42. CB Mel Blount

The Steelers’ larger-than-life cornerback earned two Super Bowl interceptions and secured four rings during his career.

43. CB Deion Sanders

The original elite cornerback won back-to-back championships with the 49ers and Cowboys in Super Bowls 29 and 30. For San Francisco, he made an interception, while the Steelers opted to avoid throwing his way the following year, allowing MVP Larry Brown to collect two picks. Sanders also contributed offensively with a 47-yard reception from Aikman.

44. DE Richard Dent

As one of the rare defensive linemen awarded the MVP title, Dent was recognized as the standout from the legendary ’85 Bears defense after achieving 1½ sacks and forcing two fumbles in Super Bowl 20.

45. DB Ronnie Lott

An impactful defender for the 49ers’ successful squads, he played both cornerback and safety, ultimately helping to secure four championships.

46. DE Reggie White

Regarded as perhaps the greatest defensive end in history, he achieved the official Super Bowl record with three sacks against Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe during the Packers’ Super Bowl 31 triumph.

47. T Joe Jacoby

One of just two “Hogs” to start on the offensive line in all three of Washington’s Super Bowl victories, he was instrumental in supporting record-breaking performances by running backs John Riggins (166 yards in Super Bowl 17) and Timmy Smith (204 yards in Super Bowl 22).

48. OLB Mike Vrabel

A true Patriot, he participated in four Super Bowls and earned three rings. Throughout his appearances, he accumulated 16 tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble, and surprisingly, two touchdowns on two receptions as a tight end during goal-line situations.

49. OLB James Harrison

He claimed two Lombardi trophies while making three Super Bowl appearances with the Steelers. Harrison left a notable mark with a stunning 100-yard interception return after a misthrow from Warner, turning the momentum in Pittsburgh’s 27-23 win over the Cardinals in Super Bowl 43.

50. C Mike Webster

A four-time champion with the Steelers, he was known for his toughness and also performed long-snapping duties.

51. T Lane Johnson

Recognized as one of the all-time great right tackles, he is poised to become the only Eagles offensive lineman to participate in all three of Philadelphia’s recent Super Bowl appearances. In the last two games, Johnson played a vital role in an offense that averaged 38 points and nearly 500 yards.

52. RB James White

There are strong arguments that he, rather than Brady, deserved the MVP title in Super Bowl 51. White set records with 14 receptions and 20 points (by scoring three touchdowns and a crucial two-point conversion during New England’s comeback). His 2-yard TD run in overtime secured the victory against the Falcons, and he also contributed 66 scrimmage yards and another touchdown against Philadelphia the following year.

53. QB Jalen Hurts

Despite Philadelphia’s loss in Super Bowl 57, Hurts outperformed Mahomes by throwing for 304 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 70 yards—the highest ever by a quarterback on Super Bowl Sunday—as well as three additional touchdowns, tying the record set by Davis. A two-point conversion enabled Hurts to match White’s 20 points. The only downside was a fumble that Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton returned for a touchdown.

54. WR Max McGee

He’s a fan favorite. After a night of celebrating before the first Super Bowl, McGee assumed he’d be sitting on the bench for the Packers, but stepped up when Boyd Dowler got injured and made a major impact. Despite being less than fully fit, he caught seven passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns, including one remarkable behind-the-back catch.

55. CB Dwight Smith

He made a significant mark with two interception returns for touchdowns (totaling 94 yards) during the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl 37 rout of the Raiders.

56. OLB Lawrence Taylor

Although he never recorded a sack in the Super Bowl, he is undeniably one of the all-time greats, being a two-time champion and acknowledged as the best pass-rushing linebacker in history.

57. KR/WR Jacoby Jones

He takes precedence over Super Bowl 31 MVP Desmond Howard as our standout return specialist. Jones was a strong contender for MVP in the Ravens’ Super Bowl 47 victory after racking up a record 290 all-purpose yards, which included a historic 108-yard touchdown on the opening kickoff of the second half. This came after he finished the first half with a 56-yard touchdown catch.

58. OL Randy Cross

He certainly deserves recognition among the linemen. Cross was a Pro Bowl guard for the 49ers’ initial two championship teams and transitioned to center for their third Super Bowl win, which coincidentally was his last game.

59. LB Mike Jones

An unsung hero, he might have faded into obscurity except for his crucial game-saving tackle against Tennessee Titans receiver Kevin Dyson just inches from the end zone, preventing a potential game-tying touchdown during the St. Louis Rams’ only Super Bowl victory.