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The Super Bowl MVP is an award given to the most influential individual performer at the big game. While the accolade is generally won by offensive players, there have been a handful of defensive stars who have staked a claim to the award.
In 57 Super Bowls so far, only 10 defensive performers have won the MVP award. Here, we take a look at five of the most recent defensive players who outperformed all other offensive displays at the big game to win the Super Bowl MVP.
5 defensive players who have won the Super Bowl MVP
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#1. Von Miller, LB at Super Bowl 50
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Miller was named MVP at Super Bowl 2016 when his Denver Broncos team beat the Carolina Panthers 24-10 at Levi's Stadium. The linebacker racked up six total tackles and 2.5 sacks, defending one pass and forcing two fumbles in the big game.
Miller went on to win a second Super Bowl ring with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022.
#2. Malcolm Smith, LB at Super Bowl XLVIII
Smith picked up the MVP award at Super Bowl 48 when his Seattle Seahawks beat the Denver Broncos 43-8 in a one-sided affair at MetLife Stadium. The linebacker returned one interception 69 yards for a touchdown, recovered a fumble and made nine tackles to guide his team to victory.
#3. Dexter Jackson, S at Super Bowl XXXVII
Jackson won the MVP award at Super Bowl 2003 when his Tampa Bay Buccaneers team beat the Oakland Raiders 48-21 at the then-Qualcomm Stadium. The safety recorded two critical interceptions at the big game to win the coveted honor.
#4. Ray Lewis, LB at Super Bowl XXXV
Lewis was named Super Bowl MVP at the big game in 2001 when his Baltimore Ravens beat the New York Giants 34-7 at Raymond James Stadium. The linebacker's five combined tackles and four passes defended earned him the award.
#5. Larry Brown, LB at Super Bowl XXX
Brown picked up the MVP award at Super Bowl 1996 when his Dallas Cowboys beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17 at Sun Devil Stadium. The linebacker recorded two crucial interceptions which the Cowboys turned into touchdowns.
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