Super Bowl MVP: Winners, History & Voting Process

By Sarah Miller · January 17, 2054

The Super Bowl MVP (Most Valuable Player) is awarded to the standout performer in the NFL's championship game. The winner is selected by a panel of media members and fans, with Patrick Mahomes holding multiple MVP honors as of 2025.

What Is the Super Bowl MVP Award?

The Super Bowl MVP award recognizes the most impactful player in the NFL's annual championship game. Since Super Bowl V in 1971, one player from the winning team has typically received the honor, though exceptions exist—such as Chuck Howley of the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl V, who played for the losing side.

Key Facts About the Super Bowl MVP

Awarded annually since Super Bowl V (1971)
Voters include media panelists and fan input via online polls
Quarterbacks win the award most frequently
Only one player from a losing team has ever won: Chuck Howley (1971)
Patrick Mahomes is a three-time winner as of 2025

Notable Super Bowl MVP Winners

Certain performances have become legendary due to their dominance under pressure. Players like Joe Montana, Tom Brady, and Patrick Mahomes have earned multiple MVP awards, highlighting sustained excellence on the biggest stage.

Players With Multiple Super Bowl MVP Awards

Tom Brady – 5 MVPs (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XLIX, LI, LV)
Joe Montana – 3 MVPs (XVI, XIX, XXIV)
Patrick Mahomes – 3 MVPs (LIV, LVII, LIX)
Steve Young, Terry Bradshaw, Eli Manning – 2 each

How Is the Super Bowl MVP Chosen?

A combination of expert opinion and public voting determines the winner. A select media panel accounts for the majority of the vote, while an official NFL-sponsored fan vote contributes a portion of the final decision.

Voting Process Overview

Media panelists submit ballots immediately after the game
Fans vote via NFL.com and mobile apps during the second half
The fan vote counts as one collective ballot
Winner is announced approximately 15 minutes after the game ends

Player	Position	Super Bowls Won	MVP Awards	Team(s)
Tom Brady	QB	7	5	Patriots, Buccaneers
Joe Montana	QB	4	3	49ers
Patrick Mahomes	QB	3	3	Chiefs
Chuck Howley	LB	0	1	Cowboys
Eli Manning	QB	2	2	Giants

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that quarterbacks dominate the Super Bowl MVP list, with Tom Brady leading all players with five awards. Patrick Mahomes has rapidly joined elite company, matching Joe Montana’s total by age 29. Notably, defensive players rarely win, with Howley being the only non-quarterback with more than one appearance among top contenders in recent decades.

Recent Trends in Super Bowl MVP Selection

In recent years, mobile fan engagement has increased the visibility of the voting process. However, the media panel remains decisive. Quarterbacks continue to be favored due to their statistical output and game control, especially in high-scoring matchups.

Factors Influencing MVP Decisions

Statistical performance (yards, touchdowns, efficiency)
Clutch plays in critical moments
Impact on game outcome
Team success (almost always from winning team)
Position bias: QBs win over 70% of the time

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl MVP

Who won the Super Bowl MVP in 2025?

Patrick Mahomes won the Super Bowl LIX MVP in 2025 after leading the Kansas City Chiefs to victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. He threw for 285 yards and three touchdowns, securing his third career MVP award.

Has a defensive player ever won Super Bowl MVP?

Yes, several defensive players have won, including Chuck Howley (Super Bowl V), Ray Lewis (Super Bowl XXXV), and Von Miller (Super Bowl 50). However, quarterbacks win the majority of the time.

Can a player from the losing team win Super Bowl MVP?

Yes, but only once in history. Linebacker Chuck Howley of the Dallas Cowboys won MVP in Super Bowl V despite his team losing to the Baltimore Colts.

Who has the most Super Bowl MVP awards?

Tom Brady holds the record with five Super Bowl MVP awards, earned across three different decades, making him the most decorated player in Super Bowl MVP history.

How is fan voting used in selecting the Super Bowl MVP?

Fans can vote during the second half via the NFL’s website and app. While the fan vote is combined into one official ballot, the final decision is primarily based on a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters.