Top 10 Forgotten Heroes of the Super Bowl

Super Bowl history is often told through quarterbacks and MVP trophies—names like Kurt Warner, Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, and Terry Bradshaw dominate the narrative. But championships are rarely won alone. Behind every legendary quarterback performance is a role player who delivered the play at the moment, forever altering football history.

These are not the most famous Super Bowl stars. These are the players whose single moment—sometimes their only moment—became immortal. From goal-line tackles to pick-sixes, these men didn’t just help win Super Bowls—they defined them.

10) Chris Reis — New Orleans Saints, Super Bowl XLIV

Chris Reis may never appear on most Super Bowl highlight reels, but without him, the New Orleans Saints almost certainly do not win Super Bowl XLIV. Early in the third quarter, trailing 10–6 against Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts, head coach Sean Payton made one of the boldest calls in Super Bowl history: an onside kick to open the second half.

The kick bounced unpredictably, and chaos followed. Players from both teams fought for control of the loose ball in a violent, frantic pile. Emerging with the recovery was Chris Reis—a reserve safety whose name was rarely mentioned before that moment.

That recovery changed everything. The Saints seized momentum, scored on the ensuing drive, and never looked back. Drew Brees would go on to win Super Bowl MVP, but it was Reis’ recovery that flipped the psychological balance of the game. Instead of Indianapolis controlling the tempo, New Orleans dictated terms the rest of the night.

Reis’ play embodies what makes the Super Bowl special: preparation meeting opportunity. He wasn’t a star—but when the season hinged on one scramble, he was the one who came up with the football.

New Orleans Saints surprise onside kick in Super Bowl 44 (4K)

9) James Washington — Dallas Cowboys, Super Bowl XXVIII

Super Bowl XXVIII was supposed to be Buffalo’s revenge. The Bills outplayed Dallas in the first half and entered halftime with momentum. Then one play changed everything—and with it, Super Bowl history.

Early in the third quarter, Cowboys safety James Washington delivered one of the most decisive defensive plays ever seen in a Super Bowl. After Dallas linebacker Ken Norton Jr. jarred the ball loose from Thurman Thomas, Washington scooped up the fumble and returned it 46 yards for a touchdown.

The score instantly flipped the game’s energy. The Cowboys, who had struggled early, surged forward with confidence. Buffalo, already burdened by the weight of three previous Super Bowl losses, unraveled completely. Dallas dominated the remainder of the game, winning 30–13 and securing their second straight championship.

Washington’s play was not a fluke. He had also intercepted a pass in the previous Super Bowl against Buffalo, proving his knack for delivering in big moments. He wasn’t a headline star—but his instincts, speed, and awareness helped seal a dynasty.

Super Bowl XXVIII – Buffalo Bills vs Dallas Cowboys January 30th 1994 Highlights

8) Jack Squirek — Los Angeles Raiders, Super Bowl XVIII

Jack Squirek’s NFL career was brief, but his Super Bowl moment is eternal.

Late in the first half of Super Bowl XVIII, Washington inexplicably attempted a pass from deep in its own territory with time running out. Raiders defensive coordinator Charlie Sumner anticipated the mistake and positioned Squirek perfectly.

Joe Theismann threw the pass. Squirek intercepted it. Touchdown Raiders.

The pick-six extended Oakland’s lead to 21–3 at halftime and effectively ended the game. The Raiders cruised to a dominant 38–9 victory, one of the most lopsided Super Bowls ever played.

Squirek became an overnight sensation, landing on the cover of Sports Illustrated the following week. Though his career never matched the magnitude of that moment, his play remains one of the most iconic defensive touchdowns in Super Bowl history.

‘Rocket Screen’ Jack Squirek Pick 6 Super Bowl 18 [4K60fps]

7) Jim O’Brien — Baltimore Colts, Super Bowl V

Super Bowl V is often remembered as one of the sloppiest games ever played—turnovers, penalties, and miscues dominated the afternoon. But amid the chaos, Jim O’Brien delivered the most important kick of his career.

A straight-on kicker in an era transitioning toward soccer-style specialists, O’Brien was inconsistent throughout his career. But with the game on the line against the Dallas Cowboys, he calmly drilled a 32-yard field goal with five seconds remaining to give the Colts a 16–13 victory.

It was the first game-winning field goal in Super Bowl history, and it instantly etched O’Brien’s name into NFL lore. In a game defined by mistakes, O’Brien’s kick stood out for its precision and composure.

He may not be remembered among the great kickers—but on that day, he was perfect when it mattered most.

Super Bowl V Jim O’Brien’s game winning FG

6) Rod Martin — Oakland Raiders, Super Bowl XV

Rod Martin was a solid linebacker throughout his career, but in Super Bowl XV, he delivered one of the greatest defensive performances in championship history.

Facing the Philadelphia Eagles, Martin intercepted three passes from quarterback Ron Jaworski, becoming the first player ever to record three interceptions in a Super Bowl. His instincts, coverage awareness, and ability to capitalize on mistakes fueled the Raiders’ upset victory.

Oakland entered the postseason as a wild card and became the first wild card team to win a Super Bowl. Martin’s performance symbolized that improbable run—disciplined defense, opportunistic play, and confidence against a favored opponent.

Though the Raiders boasted stars like Jim Plunkett and Marcus Allen, it was Martin who consistently killed Eagles drives. His effort remains one of the most overlooked all-time great Super Bowl performances.

Super Bowl XV – Oakland Raiders vs. Philadelphia Eagles

5) Mike Jones — St. Louis Rams, Super Bowl XXXIV

“The Tackle.”

That phrase alone ensures Mike Jones’ place in NFL history.

With six seconds remaining in Super Bowl XXXIV, the Tennessee Titans were one yard away from tying the game. Kevin Dyson caught a slant pass at the 5-yard line and stretched toward the goal line.

Jones didn’t miss.

The Rams linebacker wrapped Dyson up and dragged him down at the one-yard line as time expired, preserving a 23–16 victory and completing the “Greatest Show on Turf” championship run.

Kurt Warner won MVP. But without Jones’ textbook tackle—perfect leverage, angle, and timing—the Rams’ season likely ends in heartbreak. Instead, one defender’s discipline ended one of the most dramatic Super Bowls ever played.

Mike Jones’s Super Bowl Winning Tackle Rams vs Titans 16×9 Widescreen 4K60fps

4) Larry Brown — Dallas Cowboys, Super Bowl XXX

If you were asked to name the first cornerback to win Super Bowl MVP, most would guess Deion Sanders.

They would be wrong.

That honor belongs to Larry Brown, a journeyman defensive back who intercepted two passes from Steelers quarterback Neil O’Donnell in Super Bowl XXX. Both interceptions led directly to touchdowns, completely swinging the game’s momentum.

Brown’s performance wasn’t flashy—it was opportunistic. He capitalized on poorly thrown passes, stayed disciplined in coverage, and made the plays when they were given to him.

The Cowboys went on to win 27–17, and Brown’s MVP performance earned him a massive free-agent contract. Though his career never reached similar heights afterward, his Super Bowl performance remains one of the greatest examples of preparation meeting opportunity.

Neil O’Donnell in super bowl 30

3) Timmy Smith — Washington Redskins, Super Bowl XXII

Timmy Smith’s Super Bowl XXII performance is one of the most astonishing single-game feats in NFL history.

Making his first career start, Smith rushed for a Super Bowl-record 204 yards and two touchdowns against the Denver Broncos. His performance powered Washington to a 42–10 rout and erased any doubt about the game’s outcome.

Smith’s career never came close to matching that moment. Injuries and off-field issues quickly derailed him, and he faded from the league almost as quickly as he emerged.

But for one unforgettable night in San Diego, Timmy Smith was unstoppable—and his record still stands decades later.

Timmy Smith – Superbowl XXII

2) Max McGee — Green Bay Packers, Super Bowl I

Max McGee didn’t expect to play much in Super Bowl I.

He spent the night before the game partying and reportedly showed up hungover. When starting receiver Boyd Dowler was injured early, McGee was forced into action—and delivered one of the greatest surprise performances in Super Bowl history.

McGee caught seven passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns, including the first touchdown reception in Super Bowl history. His acrobatic catches helped secure a 35–10 Packers victory and launched the Super Bowl tradition itself.

McGee’s performance is legendary not just for its production, but for its improbability. He wasn’t prepared to be the star—but when the moment arrived, he seized it.

This hungover, old as dirt backup became a Super Bowl legend

1) Dwight Smith — Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Super Bowl XXXVII

No player in Super Bowl history has matched what Dwight Smith accomplished in Super Bowl XXXVII.

Smith intercepted two passes and returned both for touchdowns, a feat never duplicated. His pick-sixes broke the Raiders’ spirit and cemented one of the most dominant defensive performances ever seen on football’s biggest stage.

Remarkably, Smith did not win Super Bowl MVP. But his response captured the moment perfectly:

“They give out the MVP every year. I own a record that can stand forever.”

He was right.

Smith’s performance wasn’t just great—it was singular. Two defensive touchdowns in a Super Bowl remain unmatched, and his legacy is secure as the greatest unsung hero in Super Bowl history.

Dwight Smith in Super Bowl XXXVII