has a kicker ever won super bowl mvp

Has a Kicker Ever Won Super Bowl MVP? The Surprising Reality of NFL's Biggest Prize

The final seconds tick down in a nail-biting Super Bowl. The score is tight, and the game comes down to a single field goal attempt. The kicker steps up, delivers a perfect kick, and wins the championship for his team. In that scenario, who would you expect to be named the Most Valuable Player? For many fans, the answer seems obvious: the kicker who delivered the winning points. However, the history of the Super Bowl MVP award tells a different story.

The question of whether a kicker has ever won the Super Bowl MVP is one that sparks debate among NFL enthusiasts. With kickers playing a crucial role in determining game outcomes, it seems logical that they would be in the running for the award. Yet, the reality is that no pure kicker has ever been named Super Bowl MVP.

This article dives deep into the history of the Super Bowl MVP award, exploring why kickers have been overlooked and which special teams players have managed to break through.

The Short Answer: No, a Kicker Has Never Won

To be direct, a kicker has never won the Super Bowl MVP award. Over the first 59 Super Bowls, the award has gone to quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and even a defensive player, but never to a placekicker. This fact has become a notable point of discussion, especially during games where field goals play a significant role in the final score.

According to a report from Sports Illustrated, "No, a kicker has not won Super Bowl MVP over the first 59 Super Bowls." This creates a fascinating anomaly in a game where special teams can be the difference between winning and losing a championship.

The Lone Exception: A Special Teams Milestone

While no kicker has claimed the prize, one special teams player has been recognized for his exceptional performance. The only player from a special teams unit to ever win the Super Bowl MVP was Desmond Howard in Super Bowl XXXI.

Howard, playing as a wide receiver and kick returner for the Green Bay Packers, was not a kicker. His MVP-winning performance was fueled by his electrifying special teams play. He returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown, a pivotal moment that helped the Packers secure their victory over the New England Patriots. His ability to change the momentum of the game with his returns made him the clear choice for MVP.

This distinction is crucial: Howard was a return specialist, not a placekicker. His win highlights that special teams can be valued, but it also underscores that the specific role of kicking has not been enough to secure the award.

Why Haven't Kickers Won the MVP?

The absence of a kicker from the MVP list can be attributed to several factors, both historical and cultural.

The "Skill Position" Bias

The Super Bowl MVP award has historically favored "skill position" players—quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers. These players are the faces of the offense and are often involved in the most dramatic, highlight-reel plays. A 50-yard touchdown pass is more visually stunning than a 40-yard field goal, and award voters are often swayed by these moments of brilliance.

Game Context and Scoring

As noted in supplementary research, low-scoring Super Bowls are rare. When the final score is high, it's often the quarterback or a standout receiver who gets the credit. In a low-scoring defensive battle, a kicker's field goals might be the only points scored. However, even in such games, the narrative often shifts to the defensive players who created the opportunities.

The Nature of the Position

Kickers are specialists. They enter the game for a few plays at a time, unlike every down players who are constantly involved in the action. This limited involvement can make it difficult for them to build a case for being the "most valuable" player over the course of a four-quarter game.

Notable Kickers in Super Bowl History

Despite never winning the MVP, several kickers have had memorable Super Bowl performances that almost earned them the honor.

• Adam Vinatieri (Super Bowl XXXVIII): In a low-scoring game between the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers, Vinatieri was the hero. He kicked three field goals, including the game-winning 41-yarder as time expired, to secure a 32-29 victory. His clutch performance was instrumental, but the MVP award went to Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

• Mike Vanderjagt (Super Bowl XLI): Vanderjagt was perfect in Super Bowl XLI, kicking three field goals and two extra points for the Indianapolis Colts. His flawless performance contributed to a 29-17 win over the Chicago Bears. Despite his accuracy, the MVP was awarded to quarterback Peyton Manning.

• Harrison Butker (Super Bowl LVII): In the 2023 Super Bowl, Butker set a record for the longest field goal in Super Bowl history with a 57-yard kick. He also kicked the game-winning field goal in the final seconds for the Kansas City Chiefs. While he was a key factor in the win, the MVP was once again given to the quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.

These examples show that even when kickers play a decisive role, the award tends to go to a more prominent player.

The Future of the MVP Award

Could a kicker ever win the Super Bowl MVP? The answer is yes, but it would likely require a perfect storm of circumstances.

For a kicker to win, the game would likely need to be a low-scoring affair where field goals are the primary source of points. Furthermore, the kicker would need to be perfect, perhaps hitting multiple long-range field goals or a game-winner as time expires. Even then, they would be competing against defensive players who might have had game-changing interceptions or sacks.

The precedent set by Desmond Howard shows that special teams can be recognized. However, as long as quarterbacks continue to dominate the league and voters favor offensive skill players, the path for a kicker remains incredibly difficult.

Conclusion: A Unique Gap in NFL History

So, has a kicker ever won the Super Bowl MVP? The definitive answer is no. While they are a vital part of any team's success and have been on the winning side of multiple championships, the highest individual honor in the game has eluded them.

The history of the Super Bowl MVP is a story of offensive firepower and defensive dominance. It's a list populated by legendary names like Joe Montana, Tom Brady, and Patrick Mahomes. For now, the placekicker remains a crucial but unsung hero in the biggest game of the year. The next time you watch a Super Bowl come down to a final field goal, remember this unique piece of NFL history. The kicker might just be the most valuable player on the field, even if the trophy goes to someone else.