20 Iconic Super Bowl MVPs and Where They Are Now

Some became legends, some disappeared, and a few just won’t retire. These Super Bowl MVPs delivered when it mattered most, but what happened after the confetti fell? Let’s catch up with 20 of the greatest championship performances in NFL history.

Sophia Zapanta
February 6, 2025
8 min read

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Winning a Super Bowl MVP cements a player in football history—but it doesn’t guarantee what comes next. Some players used it as a stepping stone to Hall of Fame greatness, while others faded into obscurity or faced unexpected twists. From Tom Brady’s eternal dominance to Nick Foles’ wild rollercoaster career, here’s where these 20 Super Bowl MVPs ended up after their crowning moments.

1. Tom Brady – Super Bowl LI (2016)

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Tom Brady doesn’t lose Super Bowls—unless Eli Manning is involved. He erased a 28–3 deficit, throwing for 466 yards to pull off the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history. The Falcons were already celebrating when Brady flipped the script and took the game to overtime—the first in Super Bowl history. James White sealed the 34–28 win, but it was Brady’s masterpiece that cemented his status as the GOAT.

2. Steve Young – Super Bowl XXIX (1994)

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Steve Young spent years in Joe Montana’s shadow, but in this game, he finally owned the spotlight. He threw for six touchdowns, an all-time Super Bowl record, and obliterated the Chargers in a 49–26 rout. After the game, he famously said he was “taking the monkey off his back” by winning his first Super Bowl as a starter.

3. Jerry Rice – Super Bowl XXIII (1988)

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When Jerry Rice played, defensive backs basically had no chance. In this Super Bowl, he had 11 catches for 215 yards, an MVP record that still stands. His clutch touchdown tied the game in the fourth quarter, setting up Joe Montana’s legendary game-winning drive. Rice didn’t just stop at one MVP performance—he went on to dominate three different Super Bowls. Post-retirement, he tried dancing (literally—he was on Dancing with the Stars), played some golf, and remains one of the biggest names in NFL history.

4. Kurt Warner – Super Bowl XXXIV (1999)

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Kurt Warner’s life story is straight out of Hollywood—so much so, they made a movie about him. From stocking grocery store shelves to leading the “Greatest Show on Turf,” his rise was incredible. In Super Bowl XXXIV, he threw for 414 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning 73-yard bomb to Isaac Bruce. The Rams nearly blew a 16–0 lead, but Warner delivered when it mattered. After football, he became an NFL Network analyst and a motivational speaker. His inspiring journey still makes him one of the most respected figures in sports.

5. Doug Williams – Super Bowl XXII (1987)

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Doug Williams didn’t just win a Super Bowl—he made history as the first Black quarterback to win one. He threw four touchdowns in a single quarter, setting a record that still stands today. Washington trailed 10–0 early, but Williams led 42 unanswered points, turning the game into a blowout. His impact extended far beyond the field, paving the way for future generations of quarterbacks. He later worked in football operations for Washington and continued to be a mentor in the NFL.

6. Terrell Davis – Super Bowl XXXII (1997)

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Terrell Davis played with a migraine and still dominated. He rushed for 157 yards and three touchdowns, leading Denver to its first-ever Super Bowl win. Before Davis, John Elway had lost three Super Bowls, but TD changed everything with his ground game. Unfortunately, injuries cut his career short, but he still made the Hall of Fame. Today, he’s involved in business and sports media and remains a Denver legend.

7. Joe Montana – Super Bowl XIX (1984)

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Montana vs. Marino was supposed to be a quarterback battle, but Montana had other plans. He threw for 331 yards and three touchdowns, completely outplaying Marino and the Dolphins. The 49ers won 38–16, proving Montana was the best QB of his era. Montana retired with four Super Bowl rings and remains one of the coolest, most clutch quarterbacks ever. Today, he’s still a legend, endorsing products and staying involved in football.

8. Eli Manning – Super Bowl XLII (2007)

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Eli Manning prevented Tom Brady from being perfect. He led the Giants to a stunning 17–14 upset over the undefeated Patriots. The game’s defining moment? The “Helmet Catch,” where David Tyree somehow pinned the ball to his head while falling. Manning went on to win another Super Bowl (against Brady again) and retired as one of the most clutch QBs in history. Now, he co-hosts the “Manningcast” with Peyton, breaking down football with humor and dad jokes.

9. Joe Montana – Super Bowl XXIV (1989)

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Montana had many great Super Bowls, but this was his most dominant. He threw five touchdowns in a 55–10 beatdown of the Broncos. It was the largest margin of victory in Super Bowl history, and Montana was flawless. He retired with a perfect 4–0 Super Bowl record. These days, he’s still a football icon and remains a staple in sports media.

10. Joe Namath – Super Bowl III (1967)

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Broadway Joe didn’t just win—he guaranteed it. Namath promised the Jets would beat the heavily favored Colts, and he delivered with 206 passing yards in a shocking upset. His win legitimized the AFL and changed football history. Post-retirement, Namath became a cultural icon, known for his charisma, fur coats, and TV appearances. Even today, his confidence is legendary.

11. Marcus Allen – Super Bowl XVIII (1983)

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Marcus Allen turned a Super Bowl into his personal highlight reel. His 74-yard touchdown run is one of the most iconic plays in NFL history. He rushed for 191 yards and two touchdowns, carrying the Raiders to a dominant 38–9 victory over Washington. After retiring, Allen stayed involved in football and became a Hall of Famer. He still makes appearances at Raiders events, proving that once a legend, always a legend.

12. Tom Brady – Super Bowl XLIX (2014)

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Tom Brady vs. the “Legion of Boom” seemed like a mismatch—until Brady flipped the script. He shredded Seattle’s defense with 328 passing yards and four touchdowns, leading a fourth-quarter comeback. However, let’s be real, the game’s defining moment was Malcolm Butler’s goal-line interception. Post-Super Bowl, Brady just kept winning… a lot. He eventually moved to Tampa Bay, won another ring, then “retired” (twice).

13. Lynn Swann – Super Bowl X (1975)

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Lynn Swann turned acrobat in this game, making some of the greatest catches ever. He had four receptions for 161 yards, including a 64-yard touchdown that crushed Dallas’ hopes. Swann became the first wide receiver to win Super Bowl MVP. After football, he became a TV broadcaster and even ran for political office. His name still carries weight in Pittsburgh, where he’s an all-time Steelers great.

14. Nick Foles – Super Bowl LII (2017)

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Nick Foles did the unthinkable—he outplayed Tom Brady in the Super Bowl. The backup-turned-hero threw for 373 yards, three touchdowns, and even caught a touchdown in the legendary “Philly Special” play. The Eagles stunned the Patriots 41–33, giving Philly its first Super Bowl win. Foles bounced around the league after that, but he’ll always be a Philadelphia legend. He’s now a backup, but let’s be honest—he’ll never pay for a meal in Philly again.

15. Tom Brady – Super Bowl XXXVI (2001)

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This was the game that launched the dynasty. A second-year QB, drafted in the sixth round, faced the Greatest Show on Turf—and won. Brady only had 145 passing yards, but his clutch drive set up Adam Vinatieri’s game-winning field goal. The rest is history. Brady went on to win six more Super Bowls, rewriting the NFL record books.

16. Terry Bradshaw – Super Bowl XIII (1978)

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Bradshaw loved big games, and this one was his masterpiece. He threw for 318 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Steelers to a 35–31 win over Dallas. This Super Bowl was packed with legendary plays, but Bradshaw’s fearless passing stole the show. After retiring, he became a TV personality, country singer, and even acted in movies. The guy is basically everywhere.

17. Bart Starr – Super Bowl I (1966)

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Super Bowl I wasn’t even called the “Super Bowl” yet, but Bart Starr didn’t care—he was dominant. He threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Packers to a 35–10 win over the Chiefs. Starr later became a coach and remained a Packers icon until his passing. His legacy is forever tied to the birth of the Super Bowl era.

18. Phil Simms – Super Bowl XXI (1986)

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Simms played nearly flawless football, completing 22 of 25 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns. The Giants pulled away in the second half, securing their first-ever Super Bowl victory. After retiring, Simms became a top NFL analyst, bringing his insights (and dad jokes) to TV audiences.

19. Troy Aikman – Super Bowl XXVII (1992)

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Aikman dismantled the Bills, throwing for 273 yards and four touchdowns in a 52–17 blowout. The Cowboys had been waiting 15 years for another title, and Aikman delivered dominantly. Today, he’s one of the most well-known voices in sports broadcasting. His post-football career has been just as impressive.

20. Drew Brees – Super Bowl XLIV (2009)

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Brees and the Saints delivered New Orleans’ first Super Bowl victory ever. He threw for 288 yards and two touchdowns, outdueling Peyton Manning. The game’s turning point? A gutsy onside kick to start the second half, shifting momentum to the Saints. Since retiring, Brees has worked in broadcasting, business, and charity work. He’s still a hero in New Orleans, where he’ll never have to buy his own beignets.