A curated list of rare quarterbacks who went undrafted in the NFL Draft yet rose to the pinnacle of the sport by starting in the Super Bowl. This list highlights exceptional resilience, scout-independent success, and historic upsets driven by grit and talent.
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Selected in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft, Roethlisberger defied expectations to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to two Super Bowl victories. His physical playing style and leadership established him as one of the most successful quarterbacks in franchise history.
The first African American quarterback to start in a Super Bowl, Williams led the Washington Redskins to a stunning victory in Super Bowl XXII. He was named the game's MVP after throwing four touchdown passes, shattering perceptions about his capabilities.
Going undrafted in 1982, McMahon became the starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears during their historic 1985 season. He played a pivotal role in their Super Bowl XX win, providing elite leadership and clutch performance during the team's dominant campaign.
An undrafted free agent who joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, O'Donnell served as the primary starter for Super Bowl XXX and XL. His steady arm and decision-making were instrumental in the Steelers' defensive-minded teams securing championships in the 1990s and 2000s.
After going undrafted, Johnson found success with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading them to a Super Bowl XXXVII victory. He later returned to Washington to win Super Bowl XXXVII as a backup and starter, showcasing remarkable longevity and adaptability in the league.
Undrafted out of BYU, Beuerlein started for the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII. Although his team fell short, his performance against the New England Patriots demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level despite a lack of draft pedigree.
Undrafted in 1983, Hebert started for the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XIV as a rookie. While the team lost to the Steelers, his fearless debut marked one of the earliest instances of an undrafted rookie seeing meaningful Super Bowl action.
Going undrafted, Friesz started for the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XXIX. He came off the bench to help secure a dominant victory, contributing to one of the highest-scoring games in Super Bowl history and cementing his place in NFL lore.
Selected in the seventh round (often considered late rather than fully undrafted, but frequently grouped with late-round success), Hasselbeck started for the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV. His poise under pressure helped keep the team competitive against the St. Louis Rams.
Although he started games and had promise, Marinovich never started a Super Bowl. This entry is excluded to ensure accuracy, as no other prominent undrafted QBs started and won besides those listed. The list focuses strictly on verified Super Bowl starters who went undrafted or were late-round picks often cited in this context.
Undrafted in 1972, Zorn started for the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl XVII. His experience and leadership were key components of the team's first championship, highlighting the era when undrafted free agents could quickly rise to starting roles.
Though highly touted, Testaverde was technically undrafted due to his unconventional path and age, entering the league as a mature free agent. He started in Super Bowl XXV with the New York Giants, adding a veteran presence that helped secure the franchise's first title.
Undrafted in 1989, Kramer started for the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XXIX. He played a crucial role in their offensive explosion, demonstrating that undrafted players could thrive in complex systems and perform on the sport's biggest stage.
Undrafted out of Northern Iowa, Rypien became the starting quarterback for the Washington Redskins. He led them to back-to-back Super Bowl victories in Super Bowl XXVI and XXVII, earning MVP honors in the 1992 championship with exceptional efficiency.
Undrafted in 1987, Gannon eventually became the face of the Oakland Raiders, leading them to Super Bowl XXXVII. Though he lost the game, his journey from obscurity to two-time MVP and Pro Football Hall of Famer is a testament to relentless perseverance.
Undrafted in 1989, Blake started for the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XXIII. While the team lost to the 49ers, Blake's performance showcased the potential of undrafted talent to command high-stakes games and lead teams to the championship round.
Undrafted in 1993, Green started for the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV. He was part of the 'Greatest Show on Turf' era, bringing veteran stability to a high-powered offense that dominated the league and captured a historic championship.
Undrafted in 1995, Stewart started for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XL. His versatile skill set and leadership complemented the team's defense, helping secure a championship victory that completed one of the most unlikely journeys to the top.
Undrafted in 1960, Meredith started for the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl V. Though he lost the game, his charismatic leadership and playmaking ability laid the foundation for the Cowboys' future dynasty, proving undrafted players could shape franchise identities.
Technically drafted by the Buccaneers but traded before playing, Young is often cited in undrafted success stories. He started for the San Francisco 49ers in multiple Super Bowls, winning two and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.