For just the second time in Super Bowl history, two former No. 1 overall QB selections will face off in the NFL’s biggest game when Matthew Stafford and Joe Burrow take to the field. Which Super Bowl saw this feat occur for the first time? And who are the other former No. 1 overall selections to have played in and won a Super Bowl?
Super Bowl History | Peyton Manning vs. Cam Newton
It was somewhat fitting that Super Bowl 50 had the first occurrence of dueling No. 1 overall picks from the NFL Draft. When the Denver Broncos faced the Carolina Panthers, Peyton Manning and Cam Newton became the first pair to achieve the feat. Manning was selected first overall in the 1998 NFL Draft. Meanwhile, Newton was selected first overall 13 years later in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Ironically, in a matchup of two No. 1 overall QB selections, the defense decided the game. In a 24-10 victory, it was Von Miller who won the Super Bowl MVP — an award historically dominated by the QB position. Manning would throw for just 141 yards while completing 13 passes with 1 interception. Meanwhile, Newton would complete just 18 of 41 passing attempts for 265 yards and an interception.
Joe Burrow vs. Matthew Stafford should see the QBs in the limelight
Hopefully, Super Bowl 56 can reset the mark for QBs selected No. 1 overall facing off in the Super Bowl. Both Burrow and Stafford were in the top six in passing yards and top 10 when it came to passing touchdowns this season. Burrow placed second in 2021 in quarterback rating and first at the position in Pro Football Network’s Offensive Value Metric (OVM). Stafford was sixth in QB rating and 10th at the position in OVM.
Both QBs will have challenges against these defenses. Burrow will have to contend with the pressure from Von Miller and Aaron Donald with a porous offensive line. Meanwhile, the Bengals’ defense proved its value this season. They intercepted Patrick Mahomes twice and Ryan Tannehill three times on the way to Super Bowl 56.
Burrow or Stafford will join an illustrious list in Super Bowl history
Either Burrow or Stafford will become the ninth QB taken No. 1 overall to win a Super Bowl ring. Of the previous eight, Drew Bledsoe and David Carr won rings as backups. Meanwhile, Terry Bradshaw leads former No. 1 selections at the position with four Super Bowl rings. Here is the full list of QB selected first overall to win a Super Bowl ring.
- Terry Bradshaw | 4 rings
1970 NFL Draft
Super Bowl IX, X, XIII, XIV - Troy Aikman | 3 rings
1989 NFL Draft
Super Bowl XXVII, XXVIII, XXX - Jim Plunkett | 2 rings
1971 NFL Draft
Super Bowl XV, XVIII
- John Elway | 2 rings
1983 NFL Draft
Super Bowl XXXII, XXXIII
- Peyton Manning | 2 rings
1998 NFL Draft
Won Super Bowl XLI, 50 - Eli Manning | 2 rings
2004 NFL Draft
Super Bowl XLII, XLVI - Drew Bledsoe | 1 ring
1994 NFL Draft
Super Bowl XXXVI - David Carr | 1 ring
2002 NFL Draft
Super Bowl XLVI
Which former No. 1 overall selections at other positions have a Super Bowl ring?
Of course, it is not just QBs that have been selected No. 1 overall in NFL history. When it comes to Super Bowls, 17 former No. 1 overall selections have been victorious. Additionally, other No. 1 overall picks won a championship prior to the Super Bowl era. Let’s take a look at the non-QBs in the NFL’s history to win a Super Bowl after being selected first overall.
- Paul Hornung | HB/FB
1957 NFL Draft
Super Bowl I - Bubba Smith | DE/DT
1967 NFL Draft
Super Bowl V - John Matuszak | DE/DT
1973 NFL Draft
Super Bowl XI, XV - Ed “Too Tall” Jones | DE
1974 NFL Draft
Super Bowl XII - George Rogers | RB
1981 NFL Draft
Super Bowl XXII - Russell Maryland | DT
1991 NFL Draft
Super Bowl XXVII, XXVIII, XXX - Keyshawn Johnson | WR
1996 NFL Draft
Super Bowl XXXVII - Orlando Pace | OT
1997 NFL Draft
Super Bowl XXXIV - Eric Fisher | OT
2013 NFL Draft
Won Super Bowl LIV