The Greatest Super Bowl Losses of All Time

The Super Bowl is a stage where dreams are made and broken. While many teams have celebrated glorious victories, others have experienced the bitter taste of defeat. Let’s dive into some of the most heartbreaking Super Bowl losses in history.


The Super Bowl is the pinnacle of American sports culture, a grand spectacle that captures the nation’s attention every year. As the championship game of the National Football League (NFL), it not only determines the season’s best team but also creates enduring memories and dramatic moments that define football history. Among these moments, some of the most unforgettable are the heartbreaking losses—games where victory slipped away in the most agonizing fashion. In this article, we will explore some of the greatest Super Bowl losses of all time, highlighting the teams, key moments, and the lasting impact these games have had on NFL history.

The Buffalo Bills’ Heartbreak

Buffalo Bills jersey in NFL Hall of Fame.

Image By Erik Drost – Pro Football Hall of Fame, CC BY 2.0,

The Buffalo Bills’ four consecutive Super Bowl losses from 1990 to 1993 stand as one of the most poignant chapters in NFL history. Despite their dominant presence in the AFC, the Bills could not secure a single Super Bowl victory during this period. The most heart-wrenching loss came in Super Bowl XXV, where the Bills lost to the New York Giants by a single point, 20-19, after Scott Norwood’s infamous missed field goal. The following years saw the Bills fall to the Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys twice, each defeat more crushing than the last. These losses are not only a testament to the team’s resilience but also a reminder of the thin line between victory and defeat in the Super Bowl.

Other Notable Super Bowl Losses

Super Bowl XLII: The New York Giants’ Upset Victory Over the Undefeated New England Patriots

In one of the most shocking upsets in Super Bowl history, the New York Giants defeated the previously undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. The Patriots, led by Tom Brady, entered the game with a perfect 18-0 record and were heavily favored to win. However, the Giants, with a formidable defense and a heroic performance by quarterback Eli Manning, managed to pull off a 17-14 victory. The game is best remembered for David Tyree’s “helmet catch,” a miraculous play that kept the Giants’ game-winning drive alive.

Super Bowl XLII Loss at Pheonix StadiumSports Team History

University of Phoenix Stadium: By Dlz28 Public Domain,

The Helmet Catch of Super Bowl XLII

The “Helmet Catch” is one of the most iconic plays in NFL history. It occurred during Super Bowl XLII between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots. With time running out and the Giants trailing, quarterback Eli Manning somehow escaped a sack and heaved a pass downfield. Wide receiver David Tyree made an incredible catch, pinning the ball against his helmet as he fell to the ground. This miraculous play kept the Giants’ drive alive and ultimately led to their stunning upset victory over the undefeated Patriots. The “Helmet Catch” is a testament to the unpredictable nature of sports and will be remembered as one of the greatest plays in NFL history.

Super Bowl LI: The New England Patriots’ Historic Comeback for the Ages

Super Bowl LI will forever be etched in NFL lore for one of the most incredible comebacks of all time. The Atlanta Falcons held a commanding 28-3 lead late in the third quarter, seemingly on the verge of a Super Bowl victory. However, Tom Brady and the Patriots staged a miraculous comeback, scoring 25 unanswered points to force overtime. The Patriots ultimately won the game 34-28, cementing their legacy as one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history.

Tom Brady Quarterback for New England PatriotsSports Team History

Image By Jeffrey Beall – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Dropped Pass that Led to a Cowboys’ Super Bowl Loss Against the Steelers

Super Bowl XIII was a classic matchup between two storied franchises, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys. The game was a high-scoring affair, with numerous lead changes and dramatic plays. However, the Steelers emerged victorious, winning 35-31. One of the most memorable moments of the game was a dropped touchdown pass by Cowboys tight end Jackie Smith, a play that could have swung the momentum in Dallas’s favor.

Super Bowl XIII – About the 1970s Steelers

Super Bowl XIII, held on January 21, 1979, was a thrilling rematch between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys and an unfortunate Super Bowl Loss for the Cowboys. Top Players from the Pittsburgh Steelers:

  • Terry Bradshaw (Quarterback): Bradshaw was the standout player of the game, throwing for an impressive 318 yards and four touchdowns, both of which were Super Bowl records at the time. His performance earned him the Super Bowl MVP award1.
  • Franco Harris (Running Back): Harris was a key player in the Steelers’ offense, contributing significantly to their ground game and helping control the clock.
  • John Stallworth (Wide Receiver): Stallworth made crucial catches throughout the game, including a 73-yard touchdown reception that showcased his speed and route-running ability.
  • Lynn Swann (Wide Receiver): Swann was another vital component of the Steelers’ passing attack, making several key receptions and contributing to the team’s offensive success.
  • Jack Lambert (Linebacker): Lambert was a dominant force on defense, leading the Steelers’ “Steel Curtain” defense and making key tackles and plays to stop the Cowboys’ offense.
  • Mel Blount (Cornerback): Blount was instrumental in shutting down the Cowboys’ passing game, using his physicality and coverage skills to neutralize their receivers.
  • Joe Greene (Defensive Tackle): Greene anchored the defensive line, providing pressure on the quarterback and stopping the run, helping to limit the Cowboys’ offensive production.

Super Bowl Losses of the Ages

These heartbreaking Super Bowl losses have left a lasting impact on NFL history. They serve as reminders of the unpredictability and drama of football, where even the most dominant teams can experience defeat. Despite the pain of these losses, the teams involved have left an indelible mark on the sport, demonstrating the resilience and competitive spirit that define the NFL. As we reflect on these moments, we appreciate the highs and lows that make the Super Bowl one of the most compelling events in sports.