Let’s take a look at some of the best Super Bowl players in the history of the final game. We’ve included a list of all the biggest stars that are both retired and currently active.
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Joe Montana
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Montana is the quarterback with the most Super Bowl rings (4) – no other player in the QB position has been able to achieve what Montana has. He won all four of this titles with the San Francisco 49ers (XVI, XIX, XXIII and XXIV), a team which he represented all the way until 1992. After that he played for the Kansas City Chiefs for two season in 1993 and 1994, before deciding to call it a day. He is considered one of the game’s most iconic players and has even won the MVP award on three occasions.
Peyton Manning
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This man is still going strong with the Denver Broncos at 39 years of age. Despite playing in the NFL since 1998, Manning has managed to claim only one ring for himself in Super Bowl XLI – the final in which got awarded the MVP award as well. The Sheriff, as he is commonly referred to, may not automatically get your vote to be on this list of the best Super Bowl players, but the fact that he’s been a constant presence in the competition deserves him a spot here. His legacy in the game has already been sealed, despite having only one MVP prize to his name.
Bart Starr
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Starr was the first player to win the Super Bowl MVP award when the first final of the NFL was played in 1967. Not only that, but he also managed to win the MVP award again next season, when his team Green Bay Packers clinched their second consecutive Superb Bow title. You might not agree with putting him on this list, considering his numbers as not that impressive for modern day standards – 452 passing yards and three TDs over two games. But the fact that he was the first to be on best Superb Bowl players list is worthy of including him here.
Jerry Rice
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Rice played for four teams throughout his career, and managed to cement his place as one of the best Super Bowl players. He represented the Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders, but he made the biggest impact with his first team San Francisco 49ers – where he played from 1985 until 2000. Rice won the Super Bowl three times with the 49ers, and in the process claimed one Super Bowl MVP award in 1980 (XXIII).
Ray Lewis
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Raymond Anthony Lewis Jr. played the linebacker position for the Baltimore Ravens for a total of 17 years. The first Super Bowl ring came in 2001, as the Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34-7, and it saw Lewis claim the MVP award for the final game. Before he retired from the game in 2013, Lewis managed to clinch his second Super Bowl title, which basically ended his career on a high.
Eli Manning
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The brother of the popular Peyton Manning, Eli Manning isn’t always considered as big as his older brother, despite having two MVP Super Bowl titles as opposed to Peyton who only has one. Eli has played for the New York Giants since 2004, and in the process managed to collect two Super Bowl rings (XLII and XLVI). Eli is five years younger than his brother so he still has some more years to go in the game before he starts considering retirement, allowing him the time to accomplish more things in the game.
Joe Namath
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One of the most iconic players of the game was Joe Namath, better known by his nickname as Broadway Joe. He spent almost his entire career with the New York Jets, playing from 1965 until 1976. The Jets won the Super Bowl in 1969, which is actually the only time they have ever won the coveted trophy. But luckily for Broadway Joe, he collected a Super Bowl ring. During his prime he was considered a real game changer and a dream player for any coach, having a massive impact in games.
Dexter Jackson
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It might seem somewhat weird to include Dexter Jackson as one of the best Super Bowl players, since there are other more worthy mentions. But what’s interesting about him is that he won the Super Bowl MVP award while playing the safety position – most players that win the award are quarterbacks or receivers. When his team the Buccaneers won the Super Bowl in 2003 (XXXVIII), Dexter received his well-deserved MVP Super Bowl, marking the biggest success in career.
Terry Bradshaw
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Bradshaw is a four-time Super Bowl champion, winning the competition with the Pittsburgh Steelers – a team he has spent his entire playing career with (1970-1983). He is considered one of the best Super Bowl players and for good reason – he was the first players that clinched four Lombardi Trophies, while also achieving nine TD strikes. Bradshaw won the Super Bowl rings on two occasions in 1979 (XIII) and 1980 (XIV).
Tom Brady
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Brady got drafted to the NFL in 2000 and since then he has been the main man for the New England Patriots. His childhood idol was Joe Montana, and Brady managed to match his record for a quarterback with four Super Bowl rings. He first tastes success with the Patriots in 2002 for Superb Bowl XXXVI, and then claimed back-to-back titles in 2004 and 2005 for XXXVIII and XXXIX respectively. He was close to matching Montana in 2008 – Superb Bowl XLII – but missed out on the chance for his fourth ring against the Giants. Later in 2012, the Patriots suffered the same fate against as they lost against the Giants again, but their luck turned last year when they defeated the Seattle Seahawks 28-24, allowing Brady to finally collect his fourth ring. Considering his great achievement in the sport, it’s no surprise he makes the list of the best Super Bowl players.