How second-year quarterbacks have historically fared in the Super Bowl

We’re just over a week away from Super Bowl Sunday, when the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will fight for the Lombardi Trophy. Super Bowl LX will feature quarterback Drake Maye, the New England Patriots’ rising star, looking to make history in just his second NFL season.

Second-year QBs throughout Super Bowl history

Second-year quarterbacks reaching the Super Bowl is rare. Only eight players have done it in league history. Here’s who’s done it before Maye, and how the results played out.

• Dan Marino (1984) - Dolphins lost to the 49ers, 38-16
• Kurt Warner (1999) - Rams won against the Titans, 23-16
• Tom Brady (2001) - Patriots beat the Rams, 20-17
• Ben Roethlisberger (2005) - Steelers defeated the Seahawks, 21-10
• Colin Kaepernick (2012) - 49ers lost to the Ravens, 34-31
• Russell Wilson (2013) - Seahawks won over Broncos, 43-8
• Joe Burrow (2021) - Bengals lost to the Rams, 23-20
• Brock Purdy (2023) - 49ers fell to the Chiefs, 31-20

Of these eight, half walked away with the Lombardi Trophy: Warner, Brady, Roethlisberger, and Wilson. That means Maye faces steep odds, but history shows it’s far from impossible.

What makes Maye’s run remarkable is that unlike many young quarterbacks who struggle with consistency, Maye has been steady all season. He led the Patriots to a top-tier third-down conversion rate and helped the team dominate time of possession, wearing down opposing defenses. While he hasn’t always posted jaw-dropping stats in the box score, his ability to manage games, make smart decisions under pressure, and execute in clutch moments has been critical to New England’s success.

This season, he’s averaged over 250 passing yards per game and has thrown 18 touchdowns to only 6 interceptions, demonstrating both efficiency and consistency. That balance is exactly what has propelled other second-year quarterbacks like Brady and Wilson to the Super Bowl stage.

Making it to the Super Bowl as a second-year quarterback is one thing. Winning it is another. Most second-year players are still learning the NFL’s speed and complexity. Leadership, adaptability, and the ability to handle the pressure of millions of eyes on them are the true tests. Maye will need to rely on his preparation, instincts, and the Patriots’ strong supporting cast to make history.

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