Has Anyone Ever Not Scored in the Super Bowl?

By Sarah Miller · May 7, 2033

In the history of the Super Bowl, no offensive player has ever participated without scoring at least one point through a touchdown, field goal, or extra point—though many have played with zero individual scoring contributions.

Understanding Scoring in the Super Bowl

The Super Bowl, the NFL's championship game, features intense competition where every player aims to contribute. However, not all players record points on the scoreboard. While quarterbacks, running backs, and kickers are primary scorers, others like defensive players or offensive linemen often impact the game without directly adding to the score.

Who Can Score in the Super Bowl?

Quarterbacks (via rushing or passing touchdowns)
Running backs and wide receivers (rushing/receiving touchdowns)
Placekickers (field goals and extra points)
Defensive players (safeties, pick-sixes, fumble returns)
Special teams players (punt/kick return touchdowns)

Players Who Played Without Scoring

Many athletes appear in the Super Bowl without registering any points. This is common among:

Offensive linemen – protect the quarterback but rarely touch the ball
Defensive linemen – apply pressure but seldom score
Backup players – may see limited action without scoring opportunities
Long snappers and holders – support kickers but don’t score themselves

Notable Examples

Players like Trent Williams (offensive tackle) or Aaron Donald (defensive tackle) have played in Super Bowls without personal scoring stats, yet their impact was crucial. Their value lies in blocking, tackling, and strategic disruption—not point accumulation.

Player	Position	Super Bowl	Team	Scoring Stats
Trent Williams	OT	LIV	49ers	0 points
Aaron Donald	DT	LIII, LVI	Rams	0 offensive points
Jason Kelce	C	LII, LVII	Eagles	0 points
Myles Garrett	DE	None (as of 2025)	Browns	N/A
Justin Tucker	K	LVI	Ravens	0 FG made (1 miss)

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights elite players who either played in the Super Bowl without scoring or failed to convert scoring chances. For non-scorers like Williams and Kelce, their role isn't point production. Conversely, Justin Tucker’s rare miss in Super Bowl LVI shows even top kickers can leave without points.

Why Some Players Don’t Score

Several factors explain zero-scoring performances:

Positional roles: Linemen and defenders focus on enabling scorers, not being them.
Game flow: Blowouts or stalled drives reduce opportunities.
Injuries or limited snaps: Backup players may enter late with no chance to score.
Missed kicks: Kickers can attempt but fail, resulting in zero points.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scoring in the Super Bowl

Has any kicker ever failed to score in the Super Bowl?

Yes. Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens missed a 47-yard field goal in Super Bowl LVI, recording 0 points despite being one of the greatest kickers in NFL history.

Can a defensive player score in the Super Bowl?

Yes. Defensive players can score via interception returns (pick-six), fumble recoveries, or safeties. For example, James Harrison had a 100-yard interception return touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII.

Have any starting quarterbacks finished a Super Bowl with zero points scored?

No starting QB has played the entire game without contributing to a score. However, some like Craig Morton (Super Bowl XII) threw for over 300 yards but only one TD, showing minimal scoring output.

Is it possible to win the Super Bowl without scoring a touchdown?

Theoretically yes, though it’s extremely unlikely. A team could win via multiple field goals and safeties. No team has won without at least one touchdown since the Super Bowl era began.

Do offensive linemen ever score in the Super Bowl?

Rarely. They typically don’t handle the ball. However, in trick plays or emergency situations, they might catch a pass or recover a fumble in the end zone. As of 2025, no offensive lineman has ever scored in a Super Bowl.