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The quest for a Super Bowl ring can define a quarterback’s career and legacy. The league has witnessed numerous quarterbacks who’ve delivered remarkable performances, clinched MVP titles, and earned places in the Pro Bowl and Hall of Fame. Yet, some never grabbed a Super Bowl victory. This article spotlights those exceptional talents — celebrating their careers and legacies despite missing out on a ring.
13. Michael Vick
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Michael Vick redefined the quarterback position with his impressive rushing abilities and strong arm. Despite his talent, team success was elusive; he led his teams to the playoffs only a few times, with limited success. In 2005, they were defeated in the NFC championship game by a team from Philadelphia, led by Donovan McNabb, during a snowy game. Vick was great, but his opponents seemed to know how to stifle his abilities. His career was ultimately derailed by off-field issues which led to jail time, leaving many to speculate on what might have been had those issues not derailed his trajectory.
12. Randall Cunningham
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Randall Cunningham was one of the most electrifying quarterbacks of his era. With 29,979 passing yards, 207 passing touchdowns, and an impressive 4,929 rushing yards with 35 rushing touchdowns, his ability on the field was almost unmatched for his time. A four-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, he played primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles and later with the Minnesota Vikings. Despite facing setbacks like a torn ACL, Cunningham’s legacy included a historic season. The 1998 Minnesota Vikings boasted an exceptionally high-scoring offense, setting a record with 556 points during the regular season. They achieved a remarkable 15-1 record and came close to competing in Super Bowl XXXIII, where they narrowly missed the win. Still, the impact he left on the sport is unforgettable.
11. Boomer Esiason
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“Boomer” Esiason was so close to clinching a Super Bowl victory with the Bengals before a late comeback by the 49ers in Super Bowl XXIII thwarted their efforts. The 1988 NFL MVP was known for his left-handed play and marked his career with 37,920 passing yards and 247 touchdowns — leading the Eagles to Super Bowl XXIII and securing his place among the elite as a four-time Pro Bowler and First-Team All-Pro. Despite limited playoff appearances, his exceptional skills on the field and notable career statistics have left a lasting legacy. Today, Boomer is an analyst for multiple NFL programs and morning talk shows.
10. Cam Newton
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The 2015 regular season MVP went 32,382 passing and 5,628 rushing yards, along with a quarterback record of 75 rushing touchdowns. His unparalleled performance led the Carolina Panthers to a franchise-best 15–1 record, three Pro Bowl selections, and 2015 First-Team All-Pro honors. Despite losing out in Super Bowl 50 to Peyton Manning’s Denver Broncos, the Carolina Panthers team was loaded with talent — with six Pro Bowl selections. The Bronco’s defense frustrated Newton all game, and Von Miller forced two fumbles to turn the tide against them ultimately.
9. Matt Ryan
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Despite retiring without a ring, Matt Ryan had a career he can be proud of — and perhaps one that will be further appreciated as time goes on. He was named NFL MVP in 2016, a year that famously saw him nearly clinch a Super Bowl victory for the Falcons. With a formidable lead in the final game, Tom Brady decided to do what Tom Brady does best, and the Falcons completed the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. Despite this, his contributions to the game have earned him widespread respect and a lasting legacy in the league.
8. Steve McNair
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Speaking of nearly, Steve McNair was just inches away from clinching a Super Bowl ring — until a Kevin Dyson tackle stopped the Titans in their tracks. Sharing the 2003 NFL MVP title with Peyton Manning, Steve McNair achieved a commendable career record and was notable in the playoffs, making it to the conference championship twice. His potential Hall of Fame chances would have undoubtedly been stronger with a Super Bowl win for the Titans. McNair was dynamic on the field, achieving significant passing and rushing milestones throughout his career.
7. Dan Fouts
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Elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his first ballot in 1993, Dan Fouts was a remarkable quarterback for the Chargers across 15 seasons — with 43,040 passing yards and 254 touchdowns. Despite an era less focused on passing, Fouts led in passing yards per game six times. He never reached the Super Bowl, but his career was almost as good as it gets, with an accolade cabinet filled with six Pro Bowl selections and the 1982 MVP award. Unfortunately, this didn’t translate to playoff success, with the Chargers reaching but not advancing past the AFC Championship Game under his leadership.
6. Donovan McNabb
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Although he catches criticism for never securing a Super Bowl victory, especially coming close in Super Bowl XXXIX where his team fell short against the New England Patriots who expertly stifled him. He could be remembered as winning the most playoff games and leading the Eagles to multiple NFC Championship games, or even being Andy Reid’s most successful quarterback before Patrick Mahomes. Despite not securing a Super Bowl win, his career was impressive — including being one of the few quarterbacks with a unique combination of passing and mobility, setting the stage for future dual-threat quarterbacks.
5. Philip Rivers
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Arguably the greatest quarterback to never even reach the Super Bowl (the aforementioned Fouts could be in this conversation). Philip Rivers was an elite passer, exemplified by 63,440 yards and 421 touchdowns over his career — ranking him among the top quarterbacks in NFL history. He was tough too, famously played through a torn ACL in a crucial championship game. Irrespective of his numerous accolades, including eight Pro Bowl selections and the 2013 Comeback Player of the Year award, Rivers never secured that precious Super Bowl victory, often facing tough competition from the league’s elite teams. His remarkable streak of 240 consecutive starts from 2006 until retirement in 2020 underscores his status in the NFL as one of the greats.
4. Warren Moon
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Warren Moon was overshadowed in an era dominated by John Elway. Despite facing barriers in his early career, Moon’s talent shone in the Canadian Football League (CFL) where he won five consecutive Grey Cups, and then in the NFL, where he became the first African-American quarterback inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Although he never clinched an NFL championship, Moon’s on-field ability, with nearly 50,000 passing yards and multiple Pro Bowl selections, left his mark on the sport. His legacy is a testament to breaking barriers.
3. Jim Kelly
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Heartbreaking. If there’s anything you can’t fault Jim Kelly for, it’s being consistent. He led the Buffalo Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the early ’90s, and sadly, won none of them. Reaching four consecutive Super Bowls is something no other team has ever done, which in itself is a huge achievement and a testament to his ability. Despite not securing a ring, his contributions to football, including pioneering the K-Gun no-huddle offense, are incredible. Kelly’s entry into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002 acknowledges his impressive career stats exemplified by 35,467 passing yards and 237 touchdowns.
2. Fran Tarkenton
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An NFL legend. Fran Tarkenton amassed 47,003 passing yards, 342 passing touchdowns, and 32 rushing touchdowns throughout his career. He racked up accolades too, including the 1975 MVP and a First-Team All-Pro selection in the same year, and was a pioneer of the quarterback position. Despite his team’s struggles in his early years, Tarkenton’s return to the Vikings marked a period of success, leading them to three NFC Championships. However, Super Bowl victories eluded him, making his contributions to the Vikings’ success and his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1986 even more remarkable.
1. Dan Marino
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By far, the greatest quarterback to never win a Super Bowl. He had a groundbreaking 1984 season, setting records with 5,084 passing yards and 48 touchdowns. Over his career, Marino led in passing yards five times and touchdowns three times, retiring with 61,361 yards and 420 touchdowns, rankings that still place him in the top 10. Despite making 10 playoff appearances and securing an 8-10 postseason record, Marino’s lack of a Super Bowl title is the only gap in an otherwise legendary career that significantly influenced the NFL’s focus on passing.