Reaching the Super Bowl is a dream moment for every player who turns pro. The chance to lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy is an unforgettable experience for every star and key weapon of the league’s franchises. Yet, the road to triumph can be challenging, and there’s a long list of NFL quarterbacks who lost their first Super Bowl.
For a quarterback, making his first Super Bowl can be a career milestone that transcends the final score. Looking at the numbers, eight of the last nine NFL Finals have featured quarterbacks playing in their first Super Bowl. This game can solidify a player’s reputation, showcasing their talent and performance after leading a team through the regular season and playoffs.
However, losing a Super Bowl is painful for any quarterback, especially the first time. Some stars, like Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, achieve the goal of an NFL ring early in their careers, while others take longer to find their way back. This journey is filled with ups and downs, and the pain of defeat can linger long after the final whistle.
Notable quarterbacks who lost their first Super Bowl
The list of quarterbacks who have won their first Super Bowl is long, including legends like Tom Brady of the New England Patriots. However, there are also a considerable number of stars who lost their first Super Bowl. Some have managed to return, while others have struggled to find their way back to the big game. These are some of the most notable names in recent years.
Jalen Hurts – Super Bowl LVII
Jalen Hurts lost the 2023 Super Bowl to the Kansas City Chiefs while playing for the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite this setback, the 26-year-old quarterback is a shining example that it’s possible to return to the Super Bowl in a short time. Just two years later, he found himself in a rematch against the same opponent, proving that resilience pays off.
Joe Burrow – Super Bowl LVI
The story of Joe Burrow illustrates that reaching the Super Bowl can happen even in a quarterback’s second season as a professional. The Cincinnati Bengals star led his team with a touchdown contribution but ultimately fell short against the Rams in Super Bowl LVI, played in 2022. His journey is a testament to the potential for young quarterbacks to shine on the biggest stage.
Jared Goff – Super Bowl LIII
In Super Bowl LIII on February 3, 2019, Jared Goff took the field as the quarterback of the Los Angeles Rams. Unfortunately, his team faced off against the New England Patriots, led by Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. Goff struggled to ignite the offense, and the Rams managed to score only three points—the fewest in a Super Bowl since 1972. This game was a harsh lesson in the intensity of the Super Bowl stage.
Matt Ryan – Super Bowl LI
Among the stars who are no longer active, Matt Ryan played in only one Super Bowl during his career, which ended in disappointment. The Atlanta Falcons quarterback faced off against Brady’s Patriots in February 2017, losing 28-34 in overtime. This game is remembered for the Falcons’ historic collapse, a moment that still stings for Ryan and his fans.
Cam Newton – Super Bowl 50
Another quarterback who faced defeat in his Super Bowl debut was Cam Newton. He lost Super Bowl 50 while playing for the Carolina Panthers against the Denver Broncos, with a final score of 10-24. Newton struggled against a relentless Broncos defense, which sacked him six times, showcasing the challenges quarterbacks face in high-pressure situations.
Other quarterbacks who lost their first Super Bowl
The NFL has seen several famous quarterbacks who lost their first league finals in previous years. Jimmy Garoppolo is one such name, having lost the Super Bowl in 2020 while playing for the San Francisco 49ers. Coincidentally, another notable player who has failed to win the Super Bowl is Colin Kaepernick, who also faced defeat while with the 49ers in 2013.
Other quarterbacks who experienced this disappointment include Rex Grossman, Matt Hasselbeck, Donovan McNabb, Jake Delhomme, Rich Gannon, Kerry Collins, and Steve McNair. Each of these players has their own story of heartache and resilience, proving that the journey to success in the NFL is often fraught with challenges.
As fans, we celebrate the triumphs and empathize with the defeats. The Super Bowl is not just a game; it’s a stage where dreams are realized and shattered. It reminds us that even the greatest quarterbacks face adversity, and it’s their ability to rise again that defines their legacy in the league.
