Despite playing with a severe migraine that temporarily affected his vision, Terrell Davis put the Denver Broncos on his back in their 31-24 win over the Green Bay Packers. Davis rushed for 157 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning score in the fourth quarter. His performance helped John Elway clinch his first Super Bowl ring.
Ray Lewis’s leadership and playmaking ability were the pillars of the Baltimore Ravens' Super Bowl XXXV win over the New York Giants. The Ravens’ defense stifled the Giants, holding them to 152 total yards and zero offensive touchdowns in a 34-7 demolition. Lewis recorded five tackles and four passes defended, orchestrating one of the most dominant defensive performances in Super Bowl history. His incredible show earned him the Super Bowl MVP honor.
Dexter Jackson’s two first-half interceptions set the tone for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 48-21 victory over the Oakland Raiders. Jackson’s turnovers disrupted the Raiders’ rhythm, allowing Tampa Bay’s defense to score three touchdowns. His performance was crucial in Tampa Bay’s first Super Bowl victory.
Deion Branch was unstoppable in the New England Patriots’ 24-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. He caught 11 passes for 133 yards, tying a Super Bowl record for most receptions at the time. His impeccable route running and clutch plays helped Tom Brady and the Patriots secure their third championship in four years.
Hines Ward led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 21-10 win over the Seattle Seahawks, making crucial plays throughout the game. He caught 5 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown, including a 43-yard touchdown pass from Antwaan Randle El on a trick play. Ward helped Pittsburgh secure their fifth Super Bowl title.
Santonio Holmes held onto one of the most iconic catches in Super Bowl history to help the Pittsburgh Steelers defeat the Arizona Cardinals 27-23. Holmes finished with nine receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown, including the game-winning grab in the corner of the end zone with 35 seconds on the clock. His late-game heroics secured the Steelers' sixth championship and his place in Super Bowl history.
Malcolm Smith delivered a performance for the ages in the Seattle Seahawks’ 43-8 blowout of the Denver Broncos. Smith recorded 10 tackles, a fumble recovery, and a 69-yard interception return for a touchdown. His pick-six came off a Peyton Manning pass and put the game out of reach early. Smith’s effort symbolised Seattle’s dominant "Legion of Boom" defense, earning him the Super Bowl MVP title.
Von Miller’s game-changing plays led the Denver Broncos to a 24-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Miller recorded 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles, both of which directly resulted in touchdowns for Denver. His pressure on Cam Newton halted the Panthers' high-powered offense, making Miller the heart of Denver’s defensive masterpiece. His MVP performance ensured the Broncos' third Super Bowl title.
In a defensive battle where touchdowns were scarce, Julian Edelman carried the New England Patriots’ offense in a 13-3 win over the Los Angeles Rams. He recorded 10 receptions for 141 yards, repeatedly moving the chains with crucial catches. He found soft spots in the Rams’ defense and was the most reliable target for Tom Brady.
Cooper Kupp orchestrated the Los Angeles Rams’ 23-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. He recorded 8 receptions for 92 yards and 2 touchdowns, including the game-winning score in the final minutes. Kupp’s chemistry with Matthew Stafford and clutch performance capped off an incredible season. He led the league in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.