Think about a team overcoming impossible odds, proving everyone wrong, and emerging victorious on football's biggest stage. That’s the enchantment of underdog stories in the Super Bowl. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, these moments capture the essence of perseverance and heart, where grit often outweighs raw talent. Over the decades, the NFL's championship game has showcased some truly unbelievable upsets, making for unforgettable moments in sports history. From unlikely players stepping up in crunch time to entire teams dismissing doubters and conquering giants, these games remind us why we love football. They embody the unpredictable magic of the sport, showing that passion, strategy, and a little belief can topple even the most formidable opponents. Here are the best underdog triumphs that still inspire awe today.

Super Bowl III – Joe Namath and the Jets’ Bold Guarantee

At the time, the Super Bowl was still finding its place in American sports. The NFL and AFL were separate leagues, and the AFL teams were seen as weaker opponents. That’s why the New York Jets entering Super Bowl III as 18-point underdogs to the Baltimore Colts in 1969 wasn’t much of a surprise. What no one saw coming was quarterback Joe Namath’s now-famous guarantee.

Namath, brimming with confidence, told reporters, “We’re going to win the game. I guarantee it.” It was a bold statement, as the Colts were considered nearly unbeatable, with a 13-1 regular season record and a stellar defense. But Namath and the Jets silenced the critics. With excellent game management and a defense that stifled Baltimore’s offense, the Jets won 16-7. Namath’s fearless prediction and the Jets’ execution made this one of the most iconic upsets in Super Bowl history.

Super Bowl XXXVI – The Patriots Begin Their Dynasty

It’s hard to think of the New England Patriots as underdogs now, but back in 2002, their Super Bowl XXXVI matchup against the high-powered St. Louis Rams was anything but even. The Rams had earned their nickname, "The Greatest Show on Turf," thanks to their explosive offense led by quarterback Kurt Warner, running back Marshall Faulk, and a star-studded receiving corps. The Patriots, on the other hand, were led by a scrappy, unproven sixth-round draft pick named Tom Brady.

Most expected the Rams to dominate, but coach Bill Belichick’s defensive game plan was a masterpiece. The Patriots’ defense disrupted Warner and the Rams’ rhythm, holding them well below their usual scoring output. On offense, Brady played with poise beyond his years, setting up a game-winning field goal by Adam Vinatieri as time expired. The 20-17 victory marked the beginning of the Patriots’ dynasty and proved that a team-first mentality could outshine star power.

Super Bowl XLII – The Giants’ Perfect Upset

Few moments in Super Bowl history are as shocking as the New York Giants’ victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. The Patriots entered the 2008 game as heavy favorites, boasting an unblemished 18-0 record and the most dominant offense in NFL history, with Tom Brady throwing touchdowns to Randy Moss seemingly at will.

The Giants, a wild-card team, had barely made it to the playoffs, and few gave them a shot against Brady and his high-flying squad. But the Giants’ defensive line, led by Michael Strahan, pressured Brady all night, keeping the Patriots’ offense off-balance. Still, it was an unfathomable play in the final minutes that defined this upset.

Quarterback Eli Manning miraculously escaped what should’ve been a game-ending sack and launched a 32-yard pass to receiver David Tyree. Tyree made the catch of his life, pinning the ball to his helmet as he fell to the ground. The play set up the game-winning touchdown as the Giants stunned the Patriots 17-14 and ruined their bid for a perfect season.

Super Bowl XXXII – Elway and the Broncos Finally Break Through

By 1998, John Elway was one of the greatest quarterbacks to play the game, but there was one glaring hole on his résumé. He’d been to three Super Bowls in the 1980s with the Denver Broncos but had lost them all in embarrassing fashion. By the time the Broncos reached Super Bowl XXXII, many doubted whether Elway could finally win the big game.

Making things tougher, the Broncos faced the defending champion Green Bay Packers, a team led by Brett Favre and boasting a dominant offense. But Denver’s commitment to the run game, spearheaded by running back Terrell Davis, caught the Packers off guard. Davis, battling migraine headaches, turned in a heroic performance, rushing for 157 yards and three touchdowns.

Elway played a solid game, but the image that sticks with fans is his daring helicopter-style leap for a key first down late in the game. The Broncos won 31-24, and Elway finally added a Super Bowl championship to his legacy.

Super Bowl XLVII – The Ravens Shock the 49ers

Heading into Super Bowl XLVII in 2013, the San Francisco 49ers were the hotter team. Led by young quarterback Colin Kaepernick, they featured a dynamic offense and a ferocious defense. The Baltimore Ravens, by contrast, had needed some miraculous plays just to reach the Super Bowl, including a jaw-dropping 70-yard touchdown pass in overtime against the Denver Broncos in the divisional round.

Although the Ravens started strong and jumped out to a big lead, the 49ers mounted a furious comeback in the second half, helped in part by a bizarre 34-minute blackout in the stadium. Still, Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco remained calm under pressure, throwing three touchdowns and earning Super Bowl MVP honors. Baltimore’s defense, led by linebacker Ray Lewis in his final game, stood tall in the closing moments to secure a 34-31 victory.

Football fans love underdog stories because they reflect something universal about the human spirit. They teach us that the impossible can become possible when preparation, heart, and resilience come together. Super Bowl history is packed with examples of teams and players who defied the odds, stepped up under pressure, and left a lasting legacy. These are the games we’ll talk about for decades, as tales of heart, effort, and teamwork that turned doubt into glory.