Denver Broncos backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham is trying to achieve something incredible over the rest of this postseason. In relief of the injured Bo Nix, Stidham can become the latest notable backup signal-caller to help his team win a Super Bowl. It’s a rare feat — being a backup who keeps the ship steady for a championship team, that is — but it’s not without precedent.
Here are eight notable backup quarterbacks who have won Super Bowls over the years. These guys stepped up when things looked dire and when it mattered most.
Note: These backups had to have actually played. Because, technically, a backup quarterback wins the Super Bowl every year by virtue of simply being on their team’s roster.
Earl Morral, Baltimore Colts, Super Bowl 5
When Johnny Unitas was knocked out of Super Bowl 5 with a rib injury, Morrall had to step in as the Colts’ hero. He finished the game and did just enough to ensure the championship victory for then-Baltimore. This wasn’t the first time Morrall entered a Super Bowl in reserve duty. He also lost in Super Bowl 3 for the Colts, which was also in relief of Unitas.
Roger Staubach, Dallas Cowboys, Super Bowl 6
Staubach took over at midseason for an injured Craig Morton and never looked back in an 11-year career. He went on to win Super Bowl 6 for Dallas and was also the Cowboys’ starter in their victory in Super Bowl 12.
Jim Plunkett, Oakland Raiders, Super Bowl 15 and Super Bowl 18
Plunkett spent two years as the Raiders’ backup before being thrust into a new starting opportunity a few weeks into the 1980 season. He led the Raiders to a win in Super Bowl 15 and later did the same as a backup when he won Super Bowl 18.
Doug Williams, Washington Commanders, Super Bowl 22
Williams took over for incumbent Washington starter Jay Schroeder just before the 1987 playoffs and didn’t look back en route to a victory in Super Bowl 22. He earned the game’s MVP honors and was the first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl.
Jeff Hostetler, New York Giants, Super Bowl 25
A season-ending injury for Phil Simms gave way to Hostetler taking over during the stretch run of the 1990 season. He helped a solid New York squad romp its way to a win in Super Bowl 25.
Kurt Warner, St. Louis Rams, Super Bowl 34
After starter Trent Green went down during the 1999 preseason, Warner took the Rams’ job and ran with it. He led the franchise to its first-ever Super Bowl championship in Super Bowl 34, and also took the Rams to Super Bowl 36.
Tom Brady, New England Patriots, Super Bowl 36
By now, you know the story. Before he earned a reputation as the best quarterback of all time, Tom Brady was, in fact, a backup. When Drew Bledsoe got knocked out of a game two weeks into the 2001 season, Brady took the Patriots’ reins and led them to a shocking win in Super Bowl 36. Now an established starter and franchise player, Brady would go on to win six more Super Bowls (five with the Patriots, one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers).
Nick Foles, Philadelphia Eagles, Super Bowl 52
A week 14 season-ending knee injury for Carson Wentz should have been a death sentence to the Eagles’ Super Bowl hopes. Instead, Foles enjoyed one of the greatest playoff runs ever and actually outdueled Tom Brady of all people to lead the Eagles to the win in Super Bowl 52.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Jarrett Stidham, Broncos: How many backup QBs have won Super Bowls?
