The highly anticipated Super Bowl LIX is coming up in just a few days. It’s a rematch of the 2023 game between the Philadelphia Eagles and two-time back-to-back champs Kansas City Chiefs. As the Chiefs look to pull off the coveted three-peat, they’ve got a pretty reliable man at the helm.

Since quarterback Patrick Mahomes joined the team, he’s led the Chiefs to success after success, including three Super Bowl victories in just eight years. He’s now the favorite to win the Super Bowl MVP this year for the fourth time, having won it in the previous two years as well.

After him are Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy, and Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown.

The rare defensive Super Bowl MVPs

You may have noticed those are all offensive players. Typically, that’s how it goes. Quarterbacks win the Super Bowl MVP more than any other position. Of the last 10 Super Bowl MVPs, seven were quarterbacks.

In total, 33 of the Super Bowl MVPs were quarterbacks, followed by eight wide receivers, and seven running backs. So where does that leave the defense?

Of the 59 players who’ve won the Super Bowl MVP, only 10 were defensive players - four linebackers, three defensive linemen, two safeties, and one cornerback. Interestingly, two of those defensive linemen won the award together, the only time two players have won the award in one Super Bowl. Another curiosity is that one of those defenders was on the losing team in the Super Bowl - the only time that has happened in NFL history.

The defensive player with the greatest odds to win the Super Bowl MVP this year is Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones, but he’s still considered a long shot. The most recent defensive player to win the Super Bowl MVP was linebacker Von Miller, when he played for the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 in the 2015-16 season.

Here are the rare defenders who have won the Super Bowl MVP:

Chuck Howley, LB - Dallas Cowboys, Super Bowl V

Chuck Howley was not only the first defensive player to ever win the Super Bowl MVP, but he was the first and only player to ever win the award as part of the losing team. The Cowboys lost to the Baltimore Colts 16-13 on a late field goal, but Howley had two interceptions and a fumble recovery in Dallas' valiant effort.

Jake Scott, S - Miami Dolphins, Super Bowl VII

Jake Scott recorded two interceptions, including one in the final quarter, in the Dolphins' 14-7 win over the Washington Redskins in 1973.

Harvey Martin and Randy White, DL - Dallas Cowboys, Super Bowl XII

Not one, but two defenders beat the odds to win the Super Bowl MVP in 1978. Defensive end Harvey Martin and defensive tackle Randy White shared the MVP honors in Super Bowl XII when the Cowboys beat the Denver Broncos 27-10. They combined for three sacks and eight turnovers, limiting the Broncos to just 156 total yards. It’s the only time in NFL history that the Super Bowl MVP award has ever been shared between two players.

Richard Dent, DE - Chicago Bears, Super Bowl XX

In 1985, the Chicago Bears beat the New England Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX, and defensive end Richard Dent notched 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one blocked pass to become that year’s Super Bowl MVP.

Larry Brown, CB - Dallas Cowboys, Super Bowl XXX

Cowboys fans will remember 1996 as the last time Dallas won a Super Bowl. That game was won against the Pittsburgh Steelers, 27-17. Cornerback Larry Brown notched two interceptions in that game, helping them along to victory and earning the Cowboys' last Super Bowl MVP award.

Ray Lewis, LB - Baltimore Ravens, Super Bowl XXXV

In 2001, linebacker Ray Lewis helped the Baltimore Ravens to their first-ever Super Bowl victory with a dominant defensive performance that saw them shut out the New York Giants 34-7. Lewis recorded five combined tackle and four passes defended to win the Super Bowl MVP award.

Dexter Jackson, S - Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Super Bowl XXXVII

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the Super Bowl over the Oakland Raiders in 2003, safety Dexter Jackson logged two interceptions in the first half alone in their eventual 48-21 victory. His efforts earned him the Super Bowl MVP award, becoming the only other safety to win it and the first since Jake Scott 30 years earlier.

Malcolm Smith, LB - Seattle Seahawks, Super Bowl XLVII

Linebacker Malcolm Smith was one of the most unexpected players to win the Super Bowl MVP award. He was not a favorite, but in their Super Bowl game against the Denver Broncos, Smith had a 69-yard pick-six, a fumble recovery, and nine combined tackles in their 43-8 victory.

Von Miller, LB - Denver Broncos, Super Bowl 50

In 2016, the Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10 thanks in large part to linebacker Von Miller. His six tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one pass defended earned him the Super Bowl MVP award, and his performance is widely regarded as one of the best individual defensive performances in the history of the Super Bowl.

Related stories

Super Bowl

Chiefs - Eagles rivalry hits new heights

Super Bowl LIX

Barkley bids to break long-running curse

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.