The Super Bowl is the stage for some of the most famous matchups and showcases the biggest stars of the NFL. However, there have been some quarterback matchups that we wish we could have seen in the big game. Here are some of the head-to-head matchups that would have been even more iconic:
1. A New York Giants-Indianapolis Colts Super Bowl in the early 2010s could have been a huge draw based on the sibling rivalry between the coaches. Although we didn’t get to see this matchup in the Super Bowl, they did face off in the 2023 Pro Bowl flag football game and skills competitions.
2. A Super Bowl featuring prime Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning would have been a high-scoring shootout filled with impressive quarterback play. These two quarterbacks are considered among the best in NFL history, and it’s a shame we never got to see them compete on the biggest stage.
3. While we have seen a matchup between Rodgers and Brady in recent playoff games, it would have been epic to see their teams face off in the Super Bowl when Brady was still in the AFC. The marketing potential for this matchup would have been through the roof.
4. The Cowboys and Chiefs playing in the Super Bowl would have given us a matchup between the two winningest Super Bowl quarterbacks from the 80s and 90s. This fantasy matchup almost played out in 1994 when the Chiefs made it to the AFC title game, but ultimately lost to Buffalo.
5. Tom Brady and Drew Brees, the two most prolific passers in NFL history, never faced each other in a Super Bowl. Both quarterbacks have thrown for over 80,000 yards in their careers, and it’s a shame we never got to see them go head-to-head on the biggest stage.
6. Dan Marino, often regarded as the best NFL quarterback to never win a Super Bowl, came close to facing off against the Cowboys in the early 90s. The historical significance and entertainment value of a Marino vs. Aikman Super Bowl matchup would have been unmatched.
7. Brett Favre and Tom Brady overlapped in the league for a while, but we never got to see them face off in a Super Bowl. Favre’s only Super Bowl win came against the Patriots in the 90s, but with Drew Bledsoe as the opposing quarterback.
8. Another missed opportunity was a Super Bowl matchup between Peyton Manning and Brett Favre. Favre was known for his gunslinging style, while Manning revolutionized the quarterback position. This would have been a game for the ages.
9. Moon vs. Cunningham in the Super Bowl would have been a historic matchup, as it would have been the first time two Black quarterbacks faced off in the big game. Although they never made it to the Super Bowl, the significance of this matchup cannot be ignored.
10. McNair and McNabb were not only two of the best Black quarterbacks in the NFL during the 2000s, but they were also among the best overall. It would have been remarkable to see them face off in the Super Bowl, similar to this year’s matchup between Mahomes and Hurts.
11. A Super Bowl featuring McNair and Vick, two of the most dynamic quarterbacks of their era, would have been a treat. Although they never had the opportunity to battle for the championship, their skills and popularity would have made for an exciting game.
12. At one point, there was a debate over who the best quarterback in the league was between Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes. Although this matchup is no longer as highly anticipated, it would have been a dream Super Bowl for State Farm and football fans.
13. The Saints and Steelers could have provided a highly touted quarterback matchup in the Super Bowl. Known for their passing abilities, this game would have been a display of aerial attacks.
14. There was a chance for a Super Bowl matchup between the Steelers and Packers, but it didn’t come to fruition. While these quarterbacks may not have been the most well-liked, the historical significance of the franchises would have made it a draw.
15. Kurt Warner played in the Super Bowl with two different teams, but he never crossed paths with Peyton Manning. A shootout between these two Hall of Famers would have been one for the books.
16. Aikman vs. Elway would have been a battle between two former No. 1 overall picks who won multiple Super Bowl rings in the 90s. This matchup would have featured a host of Hall of Famers and would have been a battle for the ages.
17. Steve Young and John Elway were both dual-threat quarterbacks who could sling the rock. A Super Bowl featuring these two would have been one of the most exciting games of the decade.
18. These are just some of the quarterback matchups we wish we could have seen in the Super Bowl. While they may not have happened, they would have provided unforgettable moments in NFL history.