How Many Super Bowls Did John Elway Win? Answer & Career Breakdown

John Elway won two Super Bowls during his legendary NFL career, both as the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos: Super Bowl XXXII and Super Bowl XXXIII.

John Elway's Super Bowl Victories

John Elway, one of the most iconic quarterbacks in NFL history, captured his first Super Bowl victory late in his career after several previous setbacks. His two wins came in consecutive seasons at the end of the 1997 and 1998 campaigns, cementing his legacy as a clutch performer when it mattered most.

Super Bowl XXXII: Breaking Through

  • Date: January 25, 1998
  • Opponent: Green Bay Packers
  • Final Score: Denver Broncos 31 – Green Bay Packers 24
  • Location: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
  • Elway's Stats: 12/22 passing, 123 yards, 1 TD; 2 rushes, 17 yards, 1 TD

This victory was particularly significant because it was Elway’s first Super Bowl win after losing in four previous appearances (XXI, XXII, XXIV, XXX). The Broncos defeated the defending champion Packers, led by Brett Favre, ending a long championship drought for the franchise.

Super Bowl XXXIII: Going Out on Top

  • Date: January 31, 1999
  • Opponent: Atlanta Falcons
  • Final Score: Denver Broncos 34 – Atlanta Falcons 19
  • Location: Pro Player Stadium, Miami, Florida
  • Elway's Stats: 18/29 passing, 336 yards, 1 TD; 4 rushes, 1 rushing TD
  • Honors: Super Bowl MVP

In his final NFL game, Elway delivered a masterclass performance, earning Super Bowl MVP honors. He became the oldest quarterback to win and start in a Super Bowl at age 38, leading the Broncos to back-to-back titles and solidifying his Hall of Fame credentials.

John Elway's Complete Super Bowl Appearances

While Elway won two Super Bowls, he appeared in five total throughout his career. Below is a detailed breakdown of all his Super Bowl games, including losses and victories.

Super Bowl Date Opponent Result Elway's Role Passing Yards Passing TD Rushing TD
XXI Jan 25, 1987 New York Giants Loss (39–20) Starting QB 304 1 0
XXII Jan 31, 1988 Washington Redskins Loss (42–10) Starting QB 257 2 0
XXIV Jan 28, 1990 San Francisco 49ers Loss (55–10) Starting QB 261 2 0
XXX Jan 26, 1997 Dallas Cowboys Loss (37–29) Starting QB 198 2 0
XXXII Jan 25, 1998 Green Bay Packers Win (31–24) Starting QB 123 1 1
XXXIII Jan 31, 1999 Atlanta Falcons Win (34–19) Starting QB, MVP 336 1 1
Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights Elway’s resilience over time. Despite losing his first four Super Bowl appearances, he adapted his game and led dominant performances in his final two starts. His 336 passing yards and dual-threat capability in Super Bowl XXXIII were instrumental in securing MVP honors and a perfect exit from professional football.

Frequently Asked Questions About John Elway and His Super Bowl Wins

How many Super Bowls did John Elway win?

John Elway won two Super Bowls: Super Bowl XXXII and Super Bowl XXXIII, both with the Denver Broncos as their starting quarterback.

Did John Elway win a Super Bowl before retiring?

Yes, John Elway won Super Bowl XXXIII in his final NFL game, defeating the Atlanta Falcons and earning Super Bowl MVP honors at age 38.

What years did John Elway win the Super Bowl?

John Elway won the Super Bowl in the 1997 season (Super Bowl XXXII, played in January 1998) and the 1998 season (Super Bowl XXXIII, played in January 1999).

Was John Elway ever named Super Bowl MVP?

Yes, John Elway was named Super Bowl MVP for Super Bowl XXXIII after throwing for 336 yards and one touchdown and rushing for another touchdown in the Broncos' 34–19 victory.

How many times did John Elway play in the Super Bowl?

John Elway played in five Super Bowls (XXI, XXII, XXIV, XXX, XXXII, and XXXIII), making him one of only a few quarterbacks to start in that many championship games.

Sarah Miller

Sarah Miller

Professional sports coach and certified referee with experience in multiple sports. Sarah has officiated at national level competitions and holds multiple coaching certifications. Her passion lies in making complex rules and regulations accessible to everyone, from beginners to advanced players.

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