Winning the Super Bowl is a team achievement, but some performances rise above everything else. Super Bowl MVP games are remembered because one player clearly shaped the outcome on the biggest stage. While quarterbacks dominate this list, a few rare performances from other positions have also left a lasting mark. These are some of the greatest Super Bowl MVP performances in NFL history, judged by impact, difficulty, and legacy.

Joe Montana – Super Bowl XXIV (1990)

Joe Montana delivered one of the cleanest Super Bowl performances ever when the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Denver Broncos 55–10. Montana completed 22 of 29 passes for 297 yards and five touchdowns, all without throwing an interception.

The game was over early, and Montana’s precision removed any doubt. This performance cemented his reputation as the ultimate big-game quarterback and helped define the 49ers’ dynasty at its peak.

Read more: NFL Historical: Quarterbacks Who Changed the Game

Jerry Rice – Super Bowl XXIII (1989)

One of the rare non-quarterback MVPs, Jerry Rice earned the award after a historic performance against the Cincinnati Bengals. He finished with 11 receptions for 215 yards and one touchdown, setting a Super Bowl record for receiving yards that still stands.

Rice consistently broke coverage in a tight, low-scoring game. His performance showed that a wide receiver could dominate a Super Bowl just as clearly as any quarterback.

Read more: NFL Historical: Jerry Rice and the Records That Still Define the NFL

Tom Brady – Super Bowl LI (2017)

Tom Brady’s Super Bowl LI performance is remembered as much for the comeback as the numbers. Trailing 28–3 against the Atlanta Falcons, Brady led the New England Patriots to a 34–28 overtime win.

He threw for 466 yards and two touchdowns, both Super Bowl records at the time. More than the stats, it was Brady’s control of the final drives that made this one of the most influential MVP performances in NFL history.

Read more: NFL Historical: Every Tom Brady Super Bowl Win

Malcolm Smith – Super Bowl XLVIII (2014)

Malcolm Smith delivered one of the most surprising Super Bowl MVP performances when the Seattle Seahawks dominated the Denver Broncos 43–8. Playing linebacker, Smith recorded an interception returned for a touchdown, a fumble recovery, and 10 tackles.

In a game defined by defense, Smith stood out as the most impactful player on the field. His MVP remains a reminder that Super Bowls can still be decided far from the quarterback position.

Read more: NFL Historical: Super Bowl Moments That Broke Hearts

Von Miller – Super Bowl L (2016)

Von Miller’s performance in Super Bowl 50 was built on pressure and disruption. The Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers 24–10, with Miller recording 2.5 sacks and forcing two fumbles.

His constant pressure on the quarterback changed the game’s rhythm and allowed Denver’s offense to control the second half. Miller’s MVP was a clear case of defense deciding a championship.

Read more: NFL Historical: The Greatest Super Bowl Comebacks

Patrick Mahomes – Super Bowl LIV (2020)

Patrick Mahomes earned Super Bowl MVP honors by leading a late comeback against the San Francisco 49ers. Trailing by 10 points in the fourth quarter, Mahomes led three scoring drives to secure a 31–20 win for the Kansas City Chiefs.

He finished with over 280 total yards and two passing touchdowns. The performance marked the beginning of Mahomes’ Super Bowl legacy and signaled a shift toward a new era of quarterbacks.

Read more: NFL Historical: Super Bowl Dynasties That Defined Eras

Explore Super Bowl MVP History on Sofascore

All Super Bowl MVP performances, along with full match data and season context, are available on Sofascore. With NFL Historical coverage from 1920 and detailed statistics from the Super Bowl era, fans can explore how championship games were decided by selecting a season and diving into the numbers behind the moments.