Making it to the Super Bowl is the dream of every NFL player. For rookie quarterbacks, though, it’s like trying to summit Everest on their first hike. Despite some rookies taking the league by storm in recent years, one big question looms: Has a rookie quarterback ever won the Super Bowl in their first season? and the answer is no.
Here’s a look at why it hasn’t happened, how close some have come, and whether Washington Commanders rookie Jayden Daniels could change league history this season.
Why Rookie QBs Haven’t Won The Super Bowl?
No rookie quarterback has ever won the Super Bowl as a starter. It’s not for lack of talent, but the deck is usually stacked against them.
- Rookie QBs Are Often on Rebuilding Teams
Teams that draft rookie quarterbacks typically aren’t powerhouses. High draft picks usually go to franchises with terrible records the previous year. These teams often need time to develop, and rookies rarely step into Super Bowl-caliber rosters. - Rookies Rarely Start Right Away
Not every rookie gets a starting role in Year 1. Teams like to groom young QBs by letting them learn from veterans before throwing them into the fire. Look at Patrick Mahomes and Jordan Love—they sat and learned before leading their teams. While the trend of starting rookies immediately is growing, it hasn’t translated into postseason dominance. - Transition Challenges
The NFL is a massive leap from college football. Rookies need to adjust to faster defenses, complex playbooks, and higher expectations. Those adjustments don’t typically result in a Super Bowl run in Year 1.
Closest Calls: Rookies Who Almost Made It
Several rookie quarterbacks have almost created history but just fell short somehow:
- Ben Roethlisberger (2004): Big Ben led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 15-1 regular season and the AFC Championship but lost to the New England Patriots.
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- Joe Flacco (2008): Flacco took the Baltimore Ravens to the AFC Championship, but the Steelers ended their Super Bowl hopes.
- Mark Sanchez (2009): The “Sanchize” also reached the AFC Championship with the New York Jets, but they lost to the Colts.
Also Read: Who Are The Top 5 Rookie Pass-Catchers In The NFL?
The Youngest QB To Win The Super Bowl
While no rookie has claimed a Super Bowl title, a young quarterback still holds the record for the youngest to do so. Ben Roethlisberger won Super Bowl XL in 2006 at just 23 years old. He led the Steelers to a 21-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks with help from a dominant defense and wide receiver Hines Ward, who earned MVP honors.
Can Jayden Daniels Break The Curse?
Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has a chance to make NFL history. His 2024 season has been productive, highlighting his ability as both a passer and a runner. He has recorded 3,568 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, 891 rushing yards, and six rushing touchdowns.
Jayden. Daniels. OROY.
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) January 13, 2025
5 leads the @Commanders to the Playoff win! pic.twitter.com/RyniUjKOsA
Daniels led the Commanders to a 12-5 record. He earned a PFN QB+ score of 85.7, placing him ninth among quarterbacks this season.
He is drawing comparisons to Lamar Jackson due to his dual-threat capabilities. While Daniels hasn’t reached Jackson’s MVP level, his progress suggests significant potential. If he can stay healthy and avoid injuries like the rib issue that slowed him earlier in the season, he could become one of the NFL’s top players.
What Makes This Year Different?
Daniels benefits from a strong supporting cast and the evolving NFL landscape, where rookies are being given bigger roles earlier. With the Commanders entering the playoffs as contenders, his performance could define whether a rookie QB finally wins it all.
No rookie quarterback has ever won or even reached the Super Bowl, but history doesn’t stay unbroken forever. Jayden Daniels is positioning himself as a potential contender. Whether he can overcome the challenges that have held back rookies before remains to be seen, but if anyone can, Daniels might be the one to make it happen.
Also Read: Ranking The Top 6 Biggest Fluke NFL Seasons
