The Super Bowl, where the winning team’s dreams are made and the losing team heads back into the locker room in complete heartbreak. It takes a team effort to win it all. However, the driver of the winning team is the quarterback. Win or lose they get most of the credit or take most of the blame. So we’re going to grade every Super Bowl-winning quarterback from Super Bowl I until Super Bowl LVIII.
Super Bowl I: Bart Starr: A
Star had a great game in the inaugural Super Bowl. Starr threw two touchdowns against one interception. As a result of his strong performance, Starr was named MVP of the game as he helped further cement the Packers dynasty in the 1960s.
Super Bowl II: Bart Starr: A-
Starr’s Packers played a much more competitive battle against the Oakland Raiders. Starr threw one touchdown against no interceptions and rushed for 14 yards on one carry in the 33-14 victory. Starr was named MVP for a second straight season as he cemented the Packers’ Dynasty with two Super Bowl Championships and five NFL Championships.
Super Bowl III: Joe Namath: B
Namath’s Jets entered Super Bowl III as heavy underdogs to Johnny Unitas and the Baltimore Colts. Namath wasn’t scared and guaranteed the Jets would secure the victory. Namath’s Jets dominated the Colts as they won 16-7. Namath completed 17 passes for 206 yards and threw no touchdowns or interceptions. Namath was named MVP for his gallant effort in the victory and etched himself into Jets lore forever.
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Super Bowl IV: Len Dawson: B+
Despite the Minnesota Vikings being favored by 13 ½ points, Dawson didn’t look back and led his Chiefs to a 23-7 victory and was named the MVP. Dawson threw a touchdown to Otis Taylor against an interception as he commanded a strong Chiefs offense. Super Bowl IV would also be the last Super Bowl against the AFL and NFL as both leagues merged the following year.
Super Bowl V: Johnny Unitas: C
Unitas played average in Super Bowl V despite throwing two interceptions against one touchdown. However, Unitas suffered a rib injury in the game, and backup quarterback Earl Morrall stepped in for an injured Unitas. Morrall helped the Colts come back from behind and win 16-13 against the Dallas Cowboys.
Super Bowl VI: Roger Staubach: B+
Staubach had a mission for the Cowboys in 1971, and that was to get back to the Super Bowl and secure a statement win against their AFC opponent (the Miami Dolphins). Staubach threw two touchdowns against no interceptions and was named MVP for his excellent performance on the field.
Super Bowl VII: Bob Griese: B+
Despite being injured and Earl Morrall helping the Dolphins reach the Super Bowl, Griese led the Dolphins to a 14-7 victory over Washington and became the first and only undefeated team to win the Super Bowl. Griese threw one touchdown against an interception in the victory as the Dolphins celebrated perfection.
Super Bowl VIII: Bob Griese: B-
Griese and company returned to the big dance and played well, as the rest of the Dolphins dominated the Minnesota Vikings 24-7. Griese threw no touchdowns or interceptions in the game but helped the Dolphins run the game and enter the endzone with Larry Csonka’s two rushing touchdowns and Jim Kiick’s lone rushing touchdown.
Super Bowl IX: Terry Bradshaw: A
It was a strong Sunday for Bradshaw as he played a phenomenal Super Bowl in the Steelers’ 16-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. Bradshaw threw one touchdown against no interceptions as the Steelers crushed the Vikings in dominating fashion.
Super Bowl X: Terry Bradshaw: A
Bradshaw played another impressive game, as the Steelers won a very close and competitive battle with Tom Landry’s Dallas Cowboys. Bradshaw threw two touchdowns against no interceptions and helped Lynn Swann earn Super Bowl MVP that game. Bradshaw’s 64-yard pass to Swann in the fourth quarter is considered the “Greatest Throw of All Time” and was helped off the field by his teammates in a humbling fashion.
Super Bowl XI: Ken Stabler: A
Ken Stabler played an extraordinary game as the Raiders earned their first Super Bowl victory over the Minnesota Vikings. Stabler threw a touchdown pass to Dave Casper against no interceptions in the battle. He also commanded a great offense that had Pete Banaszak bulldoze his way into the endzone twice.
Super Bowl XII: Roger Staubach: B
Staubach and the Cowboys returned to the big dance and dominated the Denver Broncos and their “Orange Crush” defense. Staubach threw a touchdown against no interceptions but was sacked five times and lost a fumble. Regardless, Staubach had the help of the Cowboys’ “Doomsday Defense” securing the statement 27-10 victory over the Broncos!
Super Bowl XIII: Terry Bradshaw: A-
Bradshaw and company entered Super Bowl XIII as favorites and won a close and competitive battle against the Dallas Cowboys 34-31. Bradshaw threw four touchdowns against one interception but was sacked four times and lost two fumbles. Bradshaw played strong and earned MVP of the game for performance on the gridiron making the Steelers a dynasty.
Super Bowl XIV: Terry Bradshaw: C
Bradshaw’s performance wasn’t as good as it was in Super Bowl XIII, but the Steelers got the 31-19 win over the Los Angeles Rams in a back-and-fourth Super Bowl XIV. Bradshaw threw two touchdowns against three interceptions in the afternoon. Bradshaw wasn’t sacked and maintained his composure to solidify the Steelers’ dynasty of the 1970s.
Super Bowl XV: Jim Plunkett: A-
Plunkett played a great game against Dick Vermeil’s Philadelphia Eagles. Plunkett threw three touchdowns against zero interceptions but was sacked once. Plunkett played his heart out as he won his first Super Bowl and was named MVP for his performance.
Super Bowl XVI: Joe Montana: A
Joe “Cool” Montana played incredibly and won his first of four Super Bowl Championships in a very competitive battle against the Cincinnati Bengals. Montana threw one touchdown against no interceptions and scored a rushing touchdown that started the 49ers’ dynasty of the 1980s.
Super Bowl XVII: Joe Theismann: C+
Theismann played a good game against Don Shula’s Miami Dolphins despite throwing two interceptions in the 27-17 comeback victory for Washington. Theismann also threw two touchdowns in the victory and commanded a strong offense that eventually earned John Riggins Super Bowl MVP.
Super Bowl XVIII: Jim Plunkett: B+
Plunkett played another great Super Bowl as he and the Raiders dominated Washington 38-9. Plunkett threw one touchdown against no interceptions but was sacked once. Plunkett’s great performance catapulted the Silver and Black’s “Win Baby Win” motto into Super Bowl lore with the team’s third Lombardi Trophy.
Super Bowl XIX: Joe Montana: A
Joe “Cool” once again had another dominating Super Bowl performance as he and the 49ers defeated Dan Marino’s Miami Dolphins 38-16. Montana threw three touchdowns against no interceptions and scored a rushing touchdown but was sacked once. Montana earned Super Bowl MVP as a result of his incredible performance.
Super Bowl XX: Jim McMahon: C+
McMahon isn’t the best quarterback to ever play the game, but was a good enough offensive leader for the legendary 1985 Bears team that defeated the New England Patriots 46-10. McMahon didn’t throw any touchdowns or interceptions. However, McMahon scored two rushing touchdowns while the Bears’ defense was the true MVP of the game.
Super Bowl XXI: Phil Simms: B+
Phil Simms’ played a great game as the Giants secured the 39-20 victory over John Elway and the Denver Broncos. Simms threw three touchdowns against no interceptions but was sacked once. Simms’ strong performance earned him Super Bowl MVP cementing him as a hero in the New York metropolitan area forever.
Super Bowl XXII: Doug Williams: B+
Doug Williams had a great performance in Super Bowl XXII as Washington dominated the Denver Broncos 42-10. Williams threw four touchdowns against one interception but was sacked once in the victory. Williams’ performance earned him Super Bowl MVP as he helped Washington earn their second Super Bowl victory.
Super Bowl XXIII: Joe Montana: A-
Joe “Cool” Montana played great as he and the 49ers became a dynasty with their 20-16 fourth-quarter comeback victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Montana threw two touchdowns against no interceptions but was sacked three times. Montana’s strong and electric performance helped the 49ers become the football dynasty of the 1980s.
Super Bowl XXIV: Joe Montana: A
Joe “Cool” Montana returned to the big dance as he and the 49ers obliterated the Denver Broncos 55-10. Montana threw five touchdowns against no interceptions but was sacked once. Montana earned Super Bowl MVP thanks to his immaculate performance that forever enshrined him as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game.
Super Bowl XXV: Jeff Hostetler: A-
After Phil Simms went down with a foot injury, Hostetler helped the Giants secure the 20-19 Super Bowl victory over the Buffalo Bills. Hostetler threw a touchdown against no interceptions but was sacked twice. Hostetler stepped in as a leader to help the G-Men secure their second Super Bowl victory in a very close and intense battle with the Bills.
Super Bowl XXVI: Mark Rypien: B+
Rypien helped complete Washington’s forgotten dynasty with a 37-24 victory over the Buffalo Bills. Rypien threw two touchdowns against one interception, wasn’t sacked at all, and earned Super Bowl MVP for his performance.
Super Bowl XXVII: Troy Aikman: A-
Aikman’s Cowboys took Super Bowl XXVII and dominated the Buffalo Bills 52-17. Aikman threw four touchdowns against no interceptions but was sacked once as the Cowboys started their dynasty run in major blowout fashion.
Super Bowl XXVIII: Troy Aikman: D+
Aikman’s performance in Super Bowl XXVIII wasn’t as good as it was in the previous Super Bowl but the Cowboys still won 30-13 by coming back from a 13-6 deposit. Aikman threw one interception against no touchdowns and was sacked twice. Aikman did command a good ground game as Emmith Smith scored two rushing touchdowns and was named Super Bowl MVP as a result.
Super Bowl XXIX: Steve Young: A
Young came into his own with the 49ers after Joe Montana was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. Young and the 49ers dominated the San Diego Chargers 49-16. Young threw six touchdowns against no interceptions but was sacked three times. Young helped the 49ers capture their fifth Super Bowl on his own instead of being in Montana’s shadow.
Super Bowl XXX: Troy Aikman: B+
Troy Aikman and the Cowboys secured the 27-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers officially becoming a dynasty. Aikman threw one touchdown against no interceptions but was sacked twice. Despite a decent game from Aikman, he was able to keep his foot on the gas pedal and didn’t look back as he rode the train to victory!
Super Bowl XXXI: Brett Favre: A-
Brett Favre brought the Packers back to championship form, as they defeated the New England Patriots 35-21 after being down 10-14 after the first quarter in the Superdome. Favre threw two touchdowns against no interceptions and scored a rushing touchdown but was sacked five times. Favre didn’t relent as the Packers outplayed and outshined the Patriots as soon as the second quarter began.
Super Bowl XXXII: John Elway: C
After years and years of not winning the big one, Elway finally was crowned a Super Bowl champion as the Broncos defeated the Green Bay Packers 31-24. Elway threw one interception against no touchdowns and scored a rushing touchdown. Despite Brett Favre outplaying Elway statistically-wise, Terrell Davis helped bail the Broncos out with his three rushing touchdowns on the night thanks to Elway’s leadership on the ground.
Super Bowl XXXIII: John Elway: B-
Elway finished his final game in the NFL on top as a champion as the Broncos defeated the Atlanta Falcons 34-19. Elway threw a touchdown against an interception and scored a rushing touchdown. Elway played well as he led the Broncos to back-to-back championships and rode off into the sunset as a champion to conclude his Hall of Fame career.
Super Bowl XXXIV: Kurt Warner: A-
Kurt Warner and the “Greatest Show on Turf” Rams, put on a show, as they won a very intense 23-16 battle with the Tennessee Titans. Warner threw two touchdowns against no interceptions but was sacked twice. Warner winning the Super Bowl was truly icing on the cake for his magical season as he was originally the backup for Trent Green before he went down with a knee injury. It also showed how a backup quarterback can morph into a starter and a Hall of Famer right before our very eyes.
Super Bowl XXXV: Trent Dilfer: B
Even though the Ravens’ defense was the real MVP of the game, Dilfer still played a decent game. Dilfer threw a touchdown against no interceptions but was sacked three times. Dilfer did his job as the commander of the offense while Ray Lewis led the defense to a very impressive 34-6 victory over the New York Giants.
Super Bowl XXXVI: Tom Brady: B-
Similar to Kurt Warner a couple of years earlier, Tom Brady stepped up when Drew Bledsoe went down with a serious injury and didn’t look back as he and the Patriots stunned Warner’s St. Louis Rams 20-17. Brady threw a touchdown against no interceptions and led the Patriots to set up Adam Vinatieri’s game-winning field goal officially beginning the Patriots dynasty.
Super Bowl XXXVII: Brad Johnson: B
When people think of the 2002 Buccaneers that won Super Bowl XXXVII, Brad Johnson doens’t come to mind even though he did a good job as an offensive game manager in the Bucs 48-21 victory. Johnson threw two touchdowns against one interception on the night. Johnson may not be an icon like Tom Brady, Brett Favre, or John Elway, but he can always say he has a Super Bowl championship fair and square even though the Bucs’ defense won the game.
Super Bowl XXXVIII: Tom Brady: B+
Even though Jake Delhomme played a tiny bit better and threw an 85-yard touchdown pass to Muhsin Muhammad, Tom Brady still played a solid game. Brady threw three touchdowns against one interception and was named Super Bowl MVP for his valiant effort against the underdog Carolina Panthers. Brady continued to cement his legacy as new upcoming quarterback that knew how to keep winning.
Super Bowl XXXIX: Tom Brady: A-
Brady played a solid game and helped the Patriots secure their third Super Bowl win in a 24-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles and solidify them as the new dynasty of the 2000s. Brady threw two touchdowns against no interceptions. Brady went from a sixth-round draft pick to becoming arguably the greatest winner in the NFL in a span of five seasons with a third Super Bowl championship.
Super Bowl XL: Ben Roethlisberger: C-
Roethlisberger’s Super Bowl debut wasn’t pretty but he and the Steelers’ defense got the job done in a controversial 21-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Roethlisberger threw two interceptions, was sacked once, and scored a rushing touchdown. Antwaan Randle El, who used to be a quarterback at the University of Indiana, threw a touchdown via a trick play. Despite Roethlisberger’s two interceptions, he and the Steelers maintained their cool and won.
Super Bowl XLI: Peyton Manning: B-
After years of not making it through the playoffs, Peyton Manning shut his doubters up and guided the Colts to their second Super Bowl championship in a 29-17 victory over the Chicago Bears. Manning threw a touchdown against an interception on the night, in a rainy Miami. Manning’s win helped solidify Manning as one of the best quarterbacks to play in the NFL.
Super Bowl XLII: Eli Manning: B
Eli Manning played the game of his life, as he and the Giants came back from a 3-7 halftime deposit and defeated the heavily favored undefeated New England Patriots 17-14. Manning threw two touchdowns against one interception in the victory. Manning played as if he was David going up against Goliath in the upset victory over the Patriots ending their quest to become the second undefeated team in NFL history.
Super Bowl XLIII: Ben Roethlisberger: C
Roethlisberger played slightly better than he did in Super Bowl XL as he and the Steelers defeated the Arizona Cardinals to capture his second Super Bowl championship. Roethlisberger threw a touchdown to Santonio Holmes (the Super Bowl MVP) against an interception and was sacked three times. Roethlisberger also helped solidify the Steelers sixth Super Bowl championship (which was the most Super Bowl wins for a team at the time) in the impressive victory.
Super Bowl XLIV: Drew Brees: A-
After coming just short of a Super Bowl appearance a few years earlier, Drew Brees wins it all for the Saints, just over four years after the city of New Orleans was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Brees threw two touchdowns against no interceptions and was sacked once. After the victory, Brees became a hero and an icon for the “Big Easy”, as the Saints marched onto victory 31-17 against the Indianapolis Colts.
Super Bowl XLVI: Eli Manning: B+
Three years after Brett Favre’s final game as a Packer, Aaron Rodgers wrote his own legacy and won his own Super Bowl championship in a 31-25 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rodgers threw three touchdowns against no interceptions but was sacked three times. Rodgers played outstanding as he and the Packers returned to Title Town with the team’s fourth Super Bowl championship.
Super Bowl XLVI: Eli Manning: B+
Eli Manning played another strong Super Bowl as he and the Giants secured their second victory against Tom Brady and the favored New England Patriots. Manning threw a touchdown against no interceptions. Manning looked elite as he and the Giants once again became heroes to the New York Metropolitan area.
Super Bowl XLVII: Joe Flacco: A-
It was a solid day for Joe Flacco as he and the Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-31 in a very exciting Super Bowl for the ages. Flacco threw three touchdowns against no interceptions but was sacked twice. With the help of the Ravens’ defense, Flacco became a Super Bowl hero for Baltimore.
Super Bowl XLVIII: Russell Wilson: B
In one of the most lopsided Super Bowls in recent history, Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks obliterated the Denver Broncos 43-8. Wilson threw two touchdowns against no interceptions on the night. Despite Wilson played a solid game, the Seahawks’ “Legion of Boom” defense carried the team to victory in immaculate fashion!
Super Bowl XLIX: Tom Brady: B+
After two losses to the New York Giants, Tom Brady returned to the Super Bowl and secured his first Super Bowl victory since 2004. Brady threw four touchdowns against two interceptions. He played very well against the “Legion of Boom” defense despite the two interceptions and continued adding hardware to the Patriots’ dynasty.
Super Bowl 50: Peyton Manning: D+
Despite winning Super Bowl 50 24-10 against the Carolina Panthers, Manning’s play was not great as he was past his prime. Manning threw one interception against no touchdown passes and was sacked five times. The Broncos’ defense was the true MVP while Manning commanded the offense to maintain the ball and keeping the Panthers’ defense at bay.
Super Bowl LI: Tom Brady: A-
In one of the greatest come-from-behind games in NFL history, Tom Brady led a massive comeback after being down 28-3 to the Atlanta Falcons for a 34-28 overtime victory. Brady threw two touchdowns against one interception and was sacked five times. This game showed Tom Brady can come back from anything and take a bite into his opponents’ chances of winning, no matter what it takes.
Super Bowl LII: Nick Foles: A-
After Carson Wentz went down with a torn ACL. Nick Foles took the starting job over and helped the Eagles defeat the favored New England Patriots 41-33. Foles threw three touchdowns against one interception. Foles also scored a touchdown via the Philly Special trick play which goes down as one of the best plays in sports history. It was an amazing victory for the Eagles, as they won their first Super Bowl after losing in their last two appearances.
Super Bowl LIII: Tom Brady: D+
Tom Brady added one more championship to the Patriots dynasty, despite not throwing any touchdowns in the team’s 13-3 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Brady threw an interception but commanded the offense very well and helped Sony Michel score the only touchdown of the game. Not the best game to watch, but Patriots fans were pleased to see another championship added to their super dynasty.
Super Bowl LIV: Patrick Mahomes: B
In a very back-and-forth game, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs earned the 31-20 victory over the San Francisco 49ers to begin a new dynasty. Mahomes threw two touchdowns against two interceptions but was sacked four times. In his Super Bowl debut, Mahomes played well and brought championship football back to Kansas City.
Super Bowl LV: Tom Brady: A-
Same winning Tom Brady, different team, as Brady led the Buccaneers to a 31-9 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Brady threw three touchdowns against no interceptions but was sacked once. This game forever solidified Tom Brady’s status as the GOAT as he won his seventh Super Bowl and his first Super Bowl without Bill Belichick’s coaching arm of support.
Super Bowl LVI: Matthew Stafford: B
After spending 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions, Matthew Stafford became a Super Bowl champion with the Los Angeles Rams in their 23-20 nail biting victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Stafford threw three touchdowns against two interceptions but was sacked twice. It was a strong Sunday for Stafford, as he earned a championship in honorable fashion.
Super Bowl LVII: Patrick Mahomes: A
In an impressive back-and-forth battle with the Philadelphia Eagles, Patrick Mahomes performed extremely well in the 38-35 victory. Mahomes threw three touchdowns against no interceptions and wasn’t sacked at all. Mahomes continued to show the NFL why he’s the new sheriff in the league who is creating his own legacy of greatness.
Super Bowl LVIII: Patrick Mahomes: A-
Mahomes played a solid game as he made the Chiefs the NFL’s newest dynasty in their 25-22 overtime victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Mahomes threw two touchdowns against one interception but was sacked three times. Despite a back-and-forth battle, Mahomes is that guy that earned every stripe in the Chiefs dynasty, sealing victory and showing the rest of the league why he’s arguably the best active quarterback now and for the foreseeable future.
