The five oldest quarterbacks to win a Super Bowl

In a career as illustrious as Tom Brady’s, there is an opportunity to once again make history Sunday.

With a win against the Kansas City Chiefs, Brady can break his own record as the oldest quarterback to win a Super Bowl.  

According to ESPN, the average length of an NFL playing career is 3.3 years.

Brady’s career has spanned more than 20 years and now, as quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he could win his seventh Super Bowl at the age of 43.

Brady may be the oldest to win a championship, but other legendary quarterbacks have been able to secure a Super Bowl title well into their late 30s. Here is a look at the five oldest quarterbacks to win a Super Bowl. 

The Five Oldest Quarterbacks to Win a Super Bowl

Explore the careers and achievements of the five oldest quarterbacks to win a Super Bowl, and continue reading to uncover how these seasoned players achieved remarkable success later in their careers.

Tom Brady, 41

The current record was set by Brady in Super Bowl LIII.

Football fans may have expected a high-scoring game in 2019, but instead Brady and the New England Patriots stymied the Los Angeles Rams by a score of 13-3.

With the score tied, 3-3, going into the fourth quarter, Brady connected with Rob Gronkowski for two huge plays to set up a short rushing touchdown for Sony Michel. 

It wasn’t pretty, but with the game on the line, Brady delivered as he has so many times before.

It's got to be the smoothies. 

Peyton Manning, 39

Peyton Manning ended his playing career with a championship, as he won Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos at the age of 39.

Similar to Brady’s performance against the Rams, Manning didn’t have a great outing. He completed 13 passes on 23 attempts, for 141 yards and one interception. 

A month after that Super Bowl win, and the second of his career, Manning retired after 18 years in the NFL.

John Elway, 38

Just months before his 39th birthday, John Elway earned his second Super Bowl title, as the Broncos defeated the Atlanta Falcons, 34-19. 

In his final game, Elway let it all hang out on the field, with 336 passing yards and a rushing touchdown. His only touchdown pass was an 80-yard strike to receiver Rod Smith. 

At the time, Elway was the oldest quarterback to win a Super Bowl, and what a glorious way to exit the game.

Johnny Unitas, 37

Johnny Unitas started the game as quarterback for the Baltimore Colts against the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl V.

He threw nine passes but completed only three for 88 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions, before he came out of the game with an injury. 

Earl Morrall replaced Unitas for the Colts, who won, 16-13, thanks to a last-second field goal from Jim O’Brien. 

Jim Plunkett, 36

“Just win, baby!”

Those were the famous words of legendary Raiders owner Al Davis, and that’s all Jim Plunkett did when he was in the Super Bowl. 

Plunkett won his second championship at age 36, when he led the Raiders past Washington by a score of 38-9 in Super Bowl XVIII.

Plunkett has two Super Bowl rings, and both came during seasons when he spent time as the backup before taking over the starting role, yet he is not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

Common Questions About the Oldest Quarterbacks to Win a Super Bowl

1. Who is the oldest quarterback to win a Super Bowl?

Tom Brady holds the record as the oldest quarterback to win a Super Bowl. He was 43 years old when he led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to victory in Super Bowl LV.

2. How many quarterbacks over 35 have won a Super Bowl?

Several quarterbacks over 35 have won a Super Bowl, including legends like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and John Elway. Winning at an older age highlights their experience and longevity in the NFL.

3. Which quarterbacks won a Super Bowl in their 40s?

Only two quarterbacks have won a Super Bowl in their 40s: Tom Brady and Johnny Unitas. Brady achieved this feat twice, first at age 41 and again at 43.

4. Has a quarterback over 40 ever won a Super Bowl?

Yes, Tom Brady won Super Bowl LV at age 43, making him the first quarterback over 40 to win multiple Super Bowls.

5. How does age affect a quarterback's chances of winning a Super Bowl?

While age can impact physical performance, experienced quarterbacks often have better decision-making and leadership skills, which can enhance their chances of winning a Super Bowl. Players like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning proved that age is not always a barrier to success on the biggest stage.