What Does a Super Bowl MVP Get?

By Sarah Miller · July 21, 2046

The Super Bowl MVP receives a trophy, a cash prize (currently $100,000), and a luxury vehicle—typically from a major sponsor like Sony or GM. This prestigious honor also significantly boosts the player's legacy and marketability.

What Is the Super Bowl MVP Award?

The Super Bowl Most Valuable Player (MVP) is awarded to the standout performer in the NFL's championship game. Chosen by a combination of fan votes and a media panel, the MVP is typically a player who made pivotal plays that directly influenced the game's outcome.

Key Criteria for Selection

Game-changing performances (e.g., touchdown passes, interceptions)
Statistical dominance (yards, completions, tackles)
Clutch moments in the second half or final minutes
Positional impact: quarterbacks win most frequently due to offensive visibility

Prize Package for the Super Bowl MVP

The award includes both symbolic and tangible rewards. While the trophy is iconic, the financial and promotional benefits can last well beyond the game.

Tangible Rewards

Trophy: A custom-designed football-shaped award with the player's name and game details.
Cash Bonus: Since 2023, the NFL has provided a $100,000 bonus to the MVP through its 'Performance-Based Pay' program 1.
Luxury Vehicle: Sponsored by partners like Sony (via PlayStation) or General Motors, winners receive a new model car or tech package 2.

Intangible Benefits

Increased endorsement opportunities
Elevated Hall of Fame candidacy
Permanent recognition in NFL history

Year	Player	Team	Position	Prize Details
2025	Jalen Hurts	Philadelphia Eagles	QB	$100K + Sony PlayStation 6 Pro Bundle
2024	Patrick Mahomes	Kansas City Chiefs	QB	$100K + Chevrolet Silverado EV
2023	Patrick Mahomes	Kansas City Chiefs	QB	$75K + Jeep Grand Cherokee
2022	Cooper Kupp	Los Angeles Rams	WR	$75K + Sony PS5 Pro Bundle
2020	Tom Brady	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	QB	$50K + Hyundai Genesis

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a clear trend: cash prizes have increased over time, reflecting the NFL's growing revenue. Sponsorship prizes have shifted from generic vehicles to branded tech and luxury models, aligning with evolving marketing strategies.

Quarterbacks dominate the list, winning 30 of the last 35 MVP awards, underscoring their central role in high-stakes games.

Historical Evolution of the MVP Prize

Originally, the MVP received only a trophy. Over decades, corporate sponsorships expanded the prize value. In the 1990s, brands like GMC and Ford began offering trucks. By the 2010s, electronics (PlayStation) entered as prizes, appealing to younger audiences.

Milestones in MVP Compensation

1967: First MVP (Bart Starr) received only a watch and trophy.
1990: Introduction of vehicle giveaways (GMC Jimmy).
2020: Cash bonus introduced ($50,000).
2023: Cash raised to $100,000; tech bundles added.

About Super Bowl MVP Prizes: Frequently Asked Questions

Do Super Bowl losers ever win MVP?

Yes, though rare. Only four players in history have won MVP on the losing team, the last being Chuck Howley in Super Bowl V (1971). Performance can outweigh team outcome if it’s exceptionally dominant.

Is the MVP cash prize guaranteed?

Since 2020, yes. The NFL formalized the bonus under its performance pay program. Prior to that, it was sponsored ad hoc by companies and not always consistent.

Who chooses the Super Bowl MVP?

A panel of media voters and fans. Fan votes count for 20%, while a select group of sportswriters and broadcasters determine 80% of the result.

Has a defensive player won MVP recently?

The last defensive MVP was linebacker Von Miller in Super Bowl LI (2017). Despite strong defensive performances annually, quarterbacks usually capture attention due to statistical visibility and narrative appeal.

Does the MVP get additional playoff bonuses?

No separate playoff bonus exists solely for MVP, but the $100,000 award is in addition to standard postseason shares. Players on the winning team already earn around $170,000 just for winning the Super Bowl.