NFL Quarterbacks Who Have Won a Super Bowl as a Starter and as a Backup
The NFL Super Bowl reigns as the pinnacle of success for any quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). A quarterback's journey to a Super Bowl victory, whether as the starting signal caller or as a backup, is a testament to their skill and dedication. This article delves into the remarkable journeys of quarterbacks who achieved this feat as both a starter and as a backup, highlighting their remarkable story and amazing legacy.
Notable Quarterbacks: A Guide to Staring and Backup Success
Joe Montana (San Francisco 49ers)
One of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, Joe Montana stands out for his remarkable performances in both starting and backup roles. A four-time Super Bowl winner with the San Francisco 49ers, Joe Montana won Super Bowls XVI, XIX, XXIII, and XXIV as the starters. His backup experience equally stands out, as he contributed to the team's success in Super Bowl LIV, even though he did not play in the game.
Troy Aikman (Dallas Cowboys)
Known for his consistency and leadership, Troy Aikman won Super Bowls XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX as the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. His impressive journey continues with his helpful role as backup, though he did not win any Super Bowl in this capacity.
Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Ben Roethlisberger added a Super Bowl victory to his legacy as a starter by winning Super Bowls XL and XLIII with the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, his backup experience was limited, with no additional Super Bowl victories in this role.
Eli Manning (New York Giants)
As a dual Super Bowl winning quarterback, Eli Manning started for the New York Giants and won Super Bowls XLII and XLVI. His backup experience, however, did not include additional Super Bowl victories, leaving room for further speculation of what might have been.
Nick Foles (Philadelphia Eagles)
Nick Foles also stands out in achieving success in both roles, winning Super Bowl LII as a starter with the Philadelphia Eagles. Interestingly, he also won a Super Bowl as a backup in the regular season, though it’s not his path to a Super Bowl victory.
Jim Plunkett (Oakland Raiders)
Plunkett’s journey is interesting. He won Super Bowls XV and XVIII as the starting quarterback for the Oakland Raiders. His backup experience however included a victory in Super Bowl XV, demonstrating his continued importance to the team even in support of Greg Stottlemyer who started in the game.
Kurt Warner (St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals)
Kurt Warner’s journey from backup to starting quarterback and to Super Bowl MVP is truly unique. He won Super Bowl XXXIV as the starting quarterback with the St. Louis Rams. And he later achieved another Super Bowl victory as a backup with the Arizona Cardinals, in Super Bowl XLIII, while Blake Barnett, the starting quarterback, was on the injured list.
Additional Notable Quarterbacks
In addition to the above-mentioned quarterbacks, there are a few other names that stand out in NFL history. Jeff Hoestetler, for instance, was the 3rd-string quarterback for the 1986 Giants but became the starting quarterback during their Super Bowl run. Another notable name is Steve Young, who won a Super Bowl as a starter and another with his mentor Joe Montana serving as his backup.
Likewise, other quarterbacks like Tom Brady, Earl Morrall, Jim McMahon, and Steve Young can also be mentioned in this discussion. Even though Tom Brady was a backup in 2001 and ultimately started in Super Bowl XXXVI, the story of Drew Bledsoe, who was the original starting quarterback that season, is an important footnote.
Earl Morrall, during his tenure with the Colts and Dolphins, replaced Johnny Unitas in Super Bowl V and brought the Colts to victory. He served as backup during the Dolphins' Super Bowl victories with Bob Griese. Jim McMahon’s journey with the 1985 Bears and their 1996 Super Bowl victory is also noteworthy, as he was the starting quarterback in the former and a backup in the latter.
Understanding these unique journeys adds depth to the rich tapestry of NFL history, highlighting the multifaceted roles that quarterbacks play in their team's triumphs.