The Super Bowl has been a highlight of American sports since 1967. It showcases the best football talent in the country.
From Tom Brady to Patrick Mahomes, many iconic players have left their mark on this grand stage.
Here is our ultimate all-time Super Bowl 53-man roster. We’ve considered factors like Super Bowl MVP awards and the impact players had on their team’s success.
Join us as we journey through NFL history to select the greatest players for this lineup.
All-Time Super Bowl Offense
Quarterback
1. Tom Brady [2000 – 2022]
Source: CNN
How can we miss Tom Brady’s name in our all-time Super Bowl 53-man roster? He is undoubtedly one of the greatest players ever in football history.
Brady was the heart of the New England Patriots for two decades, from 2001 to 2019, leading them to nine Super Bowls and winning six titles.
Then, he made history with the Buccaneers in 2020, securing his seventh Super Bowl win.
His records, including most Super Bowl MVPs (5), most passing yards (3,039), and most game-winning drives (6), among others, are what made him a true football royalty.
2. Joe Montana [1979 – 1994]
Source: NFL.com
Quarterback Joe Montana is another great pick for our list as he had an incredible career with the San Francisco 49ers.
He won four Super Bowls and three MVPs. Montana also holds records for throwing the most passes without an interception in Super Bowls (122 in four games) and the highest passer rating ever 127.8.
3. Peyton Manning [1998 – 2011]
Source: Indianapolis Colts
Manning led the Indianapolis Colts to 11 playoff wins, bagged eight division titles, and secured a Super Bowl victory in XLI against the Chicago Bears.
He also won Super Bowl 50 for the Denver Broncos. With two Super Bowl wins and five NFL MVP titles under his belt, Manning becomes a dream quarterback choice.
4. Patrick Mahomes [2017 – Present]
Source: Reuters
Patrick Mahomes is another rising star who we won’t miss on our list. He’s like a superhero on the field, throwing passes like rockets and making jaw-dropping plays.
As the quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, he’s won three Super Bowl MVP awards and led his team to Super Bowl glory not once, but thrice!
Running back
5. Walter Payton [1975 to 1987]
Source: The Athletic
If Walter Payton isn’t included in the all-time Super Bowl 53-Man roster, it would be unjust to his achievements.
Payton got the 1977 NFL Most Valuable Player Award as he dominated with an average of 132.3 rushing yards per game. He also contributed to the Chicago Bears’ Super Bowl XX victory in 1985.
6. LaDainian Tomlinson [2001 – 2011]
Source: NFL.com
LaDainian Tomlinson is a great running back player for a top team. He earned five Pro Bowl appearances, three All-Pro nominations, and two titles as the NFL’s top rusher. In 2006, he smashed the touchdown record and was named NFL MVP.
7. Jim Brown [1957 – 1965]
Source: Sports Illustrated
Every team wants a great running back player like Jim Brown to make its offence unbeatable.
Brown got the NFL MVP award thrice. He won the NFL championship for the Browns in 1964. He also led the league in rushing yards for eight out of nine seasons.
Fullback
8. Larry Csonka [1968 – 1979]
Source: Sports Illustrated
We are adding Larry Csonka solely for his 1972 performance where he starred for the great Miami Dolphins teams under Don Shula. He was a fullback in a team that went undefeated.
Wide Receiver
9. Jerry Rice [1985 – 2004]
Source: Los Angeles Times
Jerry Rice is undisputedly our first choice for the wide receiver position as he has three Super Bowl victories to his name. He is the NFL’s top leader in yards, receptions, and touchdowns of all time.
10. Randy Moss [1998 – 2012]
Source: Sports Illustrated
Randy Moss is another great pick for a wide receiver position, especially if you’re looking for a touchdown-pass specialist.
Throughout his nine seasons on the field, he consistently caught 10 or more touchdown passes each year.
And when he retired, his legacy was nothing short of legendary: 982 receptions, 15,292 yards, and an astounding 156 touchdowns.
11. Don Hutson [1935 – 1945]
Source: NFL.com
Don Hutson makes our list for his remarkable achievements in football. He topped the NFL in receiving for eight of his 11 seasons and scoring consecutively for five years.
He was named the league’s MVP twice in 1941 and 1942. Hutson was known for his versatility, playing as a receiver and a safety throughout his career.
12. Tyreek Hill [2016 – Present]
Source: Los Angeles Times
Adding a fast player to the team pumps up everyone’s spirits. Tyreek Hill was known as “Cheetah” for his speed, he made it to the Pro Bowl every year for eight seasons straight. Plus, he helped the Chiefs win Super Bowl LIV.
Tight End
13. Tony Gonzalez [1997 – 2013]
Source: Atlanta Falcons
Gonzalez is the type of player that every team wants by their side. He made it to the Pro Bowl 14 times, the most for any tight end and the second-most in NFL history.
He played in 270 out of 272 regular-season games and only lost two fumbles out of 1,327 touches.
14. Travis Kelce [2013 – Present]
Source: CNBC
The 2023 sensation, Travis Kelce is also in our All-Time Super Bowl 53-Man Roster. Kelce holds multiple NFL records, including most seasons with 1,000 receiving yards by a tight end.
In 2022, he became the fifth tight end to reach 10,000 career receiving yards, achieving it faster than anyone else.
Offensive Tackle
15. Anthony Muñoz [1980 – 1992]
Source: Sports Illustrated
We are also adding a fitness enthusiast to our list. Munoz wasn’t just about blocking – he caught passes and scored touchdowns too.
Though his Bengals fell short in two Super Bowls, XVI and XXIII, against the San Francisco 49ers, Muñoz is still remembered as a football great.
16. Jonathan Ogden [1996 – 2007]
Source: ESPN
Jonathan Ogden was a real force on the field. He was selected to the Pro Bowl 11 times and earned All-Pro honors nine times.
Ogden helped the Ravens win Super Bowl XXXV in 2001. He was known for his great pass protection and skill in run blocking.
17. Jim Parker [1957 – 1967]
Source: NFL.com
We are going to add Jim Parker as another offensive tackle player. He was a part of Baltimore’s NFL champion team in 1958 and 1959.
Parker was chosen as a first-team All-Pro nine times in his 11 seasons. He became known as the top pass blocker in the game, praised for his techniques like the quick push-off and short jab.
Offensive Guard
18. Russ Grimm [1981 – 1991]
Source: eBay
Russ Grimm would be an ideal pick for the offensive guard position. During his 11 seasons with the Redskins, Russ Grimm helped his team reach four Super Bowls, winning three.
He was selected to the Pro Bowl four times in a row (1983–1986) and named an All-Pro each year.
19. Bruce Matthews [1983 – 2001]
Source: Sports Illustrated
We’re eager to include Bruce Mathews on our list because of his incredible versatility. Bruce played every position on the offensive line during his career.
He earned 14 Pro Bowl selections and nine first-team All-Pro honors.
20. John Hannah [1973 – 1985]
Source: NFL Past Players
John Hannah had nine Pro Bowl appearances. He also won four consecutive Offensive Lineman of the Year awards from 1978 to 1981.
Leading the charge in 1978, his offensive line achieved an astounding NFL record of 3,165 rushing yards, a feat that remains unmatched to this day.
Center
21. Jim Otto [1960 – 1974]
Source: The Athletic
Jim Otto is our top pick for the center position. With an incredible streak of earning All-AFL honors for 10 straight seasons, he solidified his place among the best by making it to the All-NFL team in 1970 and 1971.
Defensive End
22. Bruce Smith [1985 – 2003]
Source: Sports Illustrated
Bruce Smith holds the NFL record for most quarterback sacks (200). He’s been to the Pro Bowl 11 times, earned eight first-team All-Pro honors, and made four straight Super Bowl appearances with the Bills.
23. Reggie White [1984 – 2000]
Source: Green Bay Packers
Here’s our other defensive end player for the 53-man roster who’s a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and also a Super Bowl XXXI champion! With a whopping 198 career sacks, he’s second only to Bruce Smith.
24. Deacon Jones [1961 – 1974]
Source: CTV News
Another great defensive end player on our list is Deacon Jones. The Los Angeles Times dubbed him the “most valuable Ram of all time.”
While former Rams head coach George Allen crowned him the “greatest defensive end of modern football.”
Defensive Tackle
25. Joe Greene [1969 to 1981]
Source: NFL Past Players
Joe Greene is our first defensive tackle. His two Defensive Player of the Year awards, five All-Pro selections, and ten appearances in the Pro Bowl, show his dominance on the field. He is best known for his leadership and fierce style of play.
26. Bob Lilly [1964 – 1973]
Source: CBS News
We need a powerhouse tackle, and Bob Lilly fits the position perfectly. He earned first-team All-NFL honors six times in the ’60s and once in ’71.
Despite a tough Super Bowl loss in 1970, he bounced back to win big in Super Bowl VI next year. His memorable 29-yard sack during that game is still talked about today.
27. Cortez Kennedy [1990–2000]
Source: Sports Illustrated
Cortez Kennedy is a game-changer for any team. In 1992, despite the Seahawks’ struggles, he earned 14 quarterback sacks and won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.
Kennedy was named First-team All-Pro three times and Second-team All-Pro two times. After retiring in 2000, he left an impressive legacy: 668 tackles, 58 sacks, and three interceptions in 167 games.
Hybrid
28. J.J. Watt [2011 – 2022]
Source: CNN
Watt isn’t just good – he’s legendary. With three NFL Defensive Player of the Year Awards in his first five seasons, he’s considered one of the greatest defensive linemen ever.
While he’s primarily a defensive end, he’s also known to dominate at defensive tackle. He even played offense in 2014.
Edge-rusher
29. Von Miller [2011 – Present]
Source: Sporting News
Von Miller is the football superstar who dominated the field like no other! He helped the Denver Broncos win the Super Bowl in 2016 and later grabbed another championship with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022.
With awards like Super Bowl MVP, two rings, and many Pro Bowl selections, he’s a legend in the game and our top selection as an all-time edge-rusher.
Outside Linebacker
30. Lawrence Taylor [1981 – 1993]
Source: Big Blue View
For the outside linebacker position, Lawrence Taylor is our top choice. Throughout his 13-year career, he was a disruptive force, earning six All-Pro selections (1981–87) and making ten Pro Bowl appearances (1981–90 seasons).
31. Derrick Brooks [1995 – 2017]
Source: The Athletic
Derrick Brooks has won many awards, including being chosen for the Pro Bowl 11 times and being a first-team All-Pro five times.
But what stands out is his incredible performance in 2002 when he helped the Bucs win their first Super Bowl.
Inside Linebacker
32. Ray Lewis [1996 – 2012]
Source: Sports Illustrated
In his 17-year career, Ray Lewis achieved incredible milestones: 12 Pro Bowls, two Defensive Player of the Year awards, and two Super Bowl wins with the Ravens.
He’s also the only player with over 40 sacks and 30 interceptions.
33. Dick Butkus [965 – 1973]
Source: Los Angeles Times
We’re bringing Dick Butkus on board because his tough tackles and relentless spirit made him a legend of the game.
With eight Pro Bowls, six All-Pro selections, and two Defensive Player of the Year awards, he was unstoppable.
34. Mike Singletary [1981 – 1992]
Source: The Athletic
Mike Singletary was nicknamed “the Heart of the Defense” for the Chicago Bears Monsters of the Midway defense in the mid-1980s.
Singletary also played a crucial role in their Super Bowl XX win against the New England Patriots.
Cornerback
35. Deion Sanders [1989 – 2005]
Source: Los Angeles Times
Deion Sanders is a pioneer of shutdown corners in football. With eight Pro Bowl appearances, six first-team All-Pro selections, and two Super Bowl wins with the 49ers and Cowboys, he’s surely making a place on our list.
36. Mike Haynes [1976 – 1982]
Source: Sports Illustrated
Mike Haynes is among football’s greatest cornerbacks of all time. He was known for his speed, strength, and agility. Haynes excelled on defense and as a punt returner.
37. Darrell Green [1983 to 2002]
Source: NFL.com
Darrell Green earned the nickname “the Ageless Wonder” because he kept playing at a top level even as he got older.
He was super speedy too! Green won the NFL’s Fastest Man competition four times and never lost. We are thrilled to add this ageless dude to this all-time Super Bowl 53-Man Roster.
Safety
38. Ed Reed [2002-2013]
Source: Baltimore Ravens
Ed Reed is a perfect safety option as he made it to nine Pro Bowls and won the 2004 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award. He also holds the record for the longest interception returns in NFL history with 106 yards in 2004 and 107 yards in 2008.
39. Emlen Tunnell [1948 – 1961]
Source: CBS News
He was a star in the NFL as he made it to the first-team All-Pro six times and played in nine Pro Bowls. He also won NFL championships in 1956 and 1961.
When he retired, he held records for interceptions (79), interception return yards (1,282), punt returns (258), and punt return yards (2,209).
40. Tyrann Mathieu [2013 – present]
Source: New Orleans Saints
Exciting news! Tyrann Mathieu is now part of our team, playing as a safety. He rocked the field, leading in solo tackles with 64 and interceptions with 3.
He achieved a personal best with 91 combined tackles. Mathieu is also the only player from New Orleans to score an interception, force a fumble, and recover a fumble.
Kicker
41. Adam Vinatieri [1996 – 2019]
Source: NFL.com
Adam Vinatieri is the undisputed placekicker in our roster. With a record-breaking 2,673 points under his belt, he’s the NFL’s all-time leading scorer. He holds multiple NFL records including 599 field goals and 238 postseason points.
Punter
42. Shane Lechler [2000-2017]
Source: Houston Chronicle
When it comes to punting, nobody does it better than Shane Lechler. He has nine All-Pro selections and seven Pro Bowl appearances. Lechler also holds the record for the highest career punting average.
Specialists
43. Morten Anderson [1982 – 2007]
Source: NBC Sports
To understand why we have added Morten Andersen to our list, just have a little peek into his football journey.
Anderson’s incredible record includes 382 regular season games, ranking second in both field goals (565) and points scored (2,544). He’s the Saints’ top scorer ever with 1,318 points.
44. Matthew Slater [2008 – 2023]
Source: Sportsnet
Matthew Slater had an amazing 16-season career with the New England Patriots in the NFL. Mostly known for his special teams skills, he’s considered one of the best gunners ever.
Slater’s impressive stats include three Super Bowl wins, 13 seasons as team captain, a record-setting 10 Pro Bowl appearances, and many more.
45. Steve Tasker [1985 – 1997]
Source: Buffalo Rumblings
Steve Tasker is added to our all-time specialists list as he is simply outstanding. He made it to seven Pro Bowls and was even named MVP in 1993.
Steve is known as the NFL’s first special teams player to achieve this. With 204 special teams tackles and seven blocked punts, he’s made a huge impact.
46. Ron Wolfley [1985 – 1991]
Source: Arizona Cardinals
We’re proud to add Ronald Wolfley to our special teams lineup as he was a fearless player. He spent seven seasons with the Cardinals and won Pro Bowl honors four times as a special teams captain.
47. David Tyree [2003 – 2009]
Source: Sports Illustrated
David Tyree is famous for his unforgettable “Helmet Catch” in Super Bowl XLII, which helped the Giants secure a historic upset win over the Patriots.
Despite being mostly a backup player, Tyree earned Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors in 2005 for his outstanding special teams performance.
Returner
48. Gale Sayers [1965 – 1971]
Source: The New York Times
Gale Sayers is our top choice for the all-time Super Bowl 53-man roster as a returner. In his seven seasons with the Chicago Bears from 1965 to 1971, he set the rookie record with 22 touchdowns in 1965.
All-Time Super Bowl Bench
- Jack Lambert (LB)
- Chris Hogan (WR)
- John Mackey (TE)
- Christian McCaffrey (RB)
- Johnny Unitas (QB)
