Who Gets Super Bowl Rings? Full Breakdown

By Sarah Miller · May 16, 2037

The Super Bowl ring is awarded to players, coaches, staff, and key personnel of the winning NFL team, as well as some members of the losing team in certain cases, with ownership groups typically deciding distribution.

Who Receives Super Bowl Rings?

Super Bowl rings are primarily given to individuals directly contributing to the championship season of the winning team. The National Football League allocates a set budget for ring production, but the team's ownership ultimately determines who receives one.

Primary Recipients of Super Bowl Rings

Active roster players who participated during the season or playoffs
Head coach and assistant coaching staff
Front office executives (GM, owner, president)
Training, medical, and support staff
Practice squad members
Key administrative personnel

While not guaranteed, many teams also extend rings to non-active contributors such as injured reserve players or long-term disabled athletes.

Do Losing Teams Get Super Bowl Rings?

No, the NFL does not award official Super Bowl rings to the losing team. However, some franchises choose to present commemorative rings to their players and staff to honor their achievement in reaching the championship game.

These rings are typically less expensive and lack the official 'World Champions' designation. Despite this, they symbolize elite performance and are valued by recipients.

Examples of Teams Giving Rings to Losers

Kansas City Chiefs – Gave rings after Super Bowl LV loss
Los Angeles Rams – Distributed rings following Super Bowl LIII appearance
San Francisco 49ers – Provided rings after Super Bowl LVII defeat

How Many Rings Does a Team Receive?

The NFL provides funding for up to 150 rings per winning team, with a maximum cost per ring set annually. In recent years, the cap has been approximately $7,000 per ring, allowing teams to spend more if desired.

Teams often exceed the league’s financial limit using owner funds, resulting in elaborate designs featuring diamonds, custom engravings, and premium materials.

Year	Winning Team	Ring Cost (per unit)	Total Rings Distributed	Owner
2023	Kansas City Chiefs	$40,000	180	Clark Hunt
2022	Los Angeles Rams	$37,000	160	Stan Kroenke
2021	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	$34,000	175	Glazer Family
2020	Kansas City Chiefs	$30,000	165	Clark Hunt
2019	New England Patriots	$25,000	160	Robert Kraft

Table data source:1, 2

Data shows a trend of increasing per-ring costs and total distributions over time, reflecting rising franchise investment in commemorating success. Owners like Clark Hunt and Stan Kroenke have consistently exceeded league minimums to reward broader team contributions.

The number of rings distributed often surpasses the NFL’s 150 allowance, funded privately by ownership groups to include scouts, equipment managers, and even stadium workers.

Special Cases and Traditions

Some owners follow unique traditions when distributing Super Bowl rings:

Bill Belichick historically requested a simpler design than Tom Brady’s.
Patrick Mahomes received a custom oversized ring after Super Bowl LVII.
Children of players sometimes receive miniature versions.

In rare cases, disputes arise over eligibility. For example, in 2017, New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett initially declined his ring due to personal principles regarding recognition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl Rings

Do all players on the winning team get a Super Bowl ring?

Most players on the active roster, practice squad, or injured reserve during the season receive a ring, though final decisions rest with team ownership. Exceptions are rare but possible based on contribution or conduct.

How much is a Super Bowl ring worth?

Modern Super Bowl rings are valued between $30,000 and $40,000, depending on design complexity and materials. Vintage rings from historic wins have sold at auction for over $200,000.

Can fans buy authentic Super Bowl rings?

Authentic unused or replica rings occasionally appear at auctions or memorabilia stores. However, genuine player-issued rings are extremely rare and expensive, often costing tens of thousands of dollars.

Do cheerleaders get Super Bowl rings?

Some teams choose to award rings to cheerleaders and mascot performers, though it is not mandatory. This decision varies by franchise tradition and owner preference.

Who designs the Super Bowl ring?

The winning team collaborates with jewelry designers—often Jostens or Baron Jewelry—to create the ring. Players and coaches may provide input, and final approval comes from ownership.